Tobacco Prevention Notes
Montana’s smokeless tobacco rates are higher than the national average for both male youth (10 percent) and male adults (12 percent). Feb. 16-22 is “Through with Chew Week” and is an entire week dedicated to educating Montanans about the health risks of smokeless tobacco and the health benefits of quitting.
There is no safe form of tobacco. Smokeless tobacco can cause cancer of the mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, esophagus and pancreas. It also causes gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
The Montana Tobacco Quit Line helps with quitting all forms of tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco. The Quit Line offers eight weeks of free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges as well as reduced cost prescription medications when you enroll. The quit rate for people who use smokeless tobacco and call the Quit Line is 50 percent, compared to 5 to 7 percent for those who try quitting alone.
The Montana Tobacco Quit Line offers three special programs for Montanans. My Life, My Quit is a text/chatbased program specifically for youth under the age of 18. Visit mylifemyquit.com to learn more.
The American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line connects callers with American Indian coaches and the Quit Now Montana Pregnancy Program connects pregnant callers with a dedicated female coach and offers cash incentives for completed coaching calls.
All Quit Line programs deliver tailored services for each caller creating the best opportunity for success.
Quit spit cards with gum and dental picks will be available at several local businesses throughout the month of February.
Quitting tobacco can be the most important thing you do for your health. The Quit Line, along with FDA-approved cessation medications available through enrollment, is a proven and effective way to help you quit tobacco use successfully. People who use the Montana Tobacco Quit Line are seven to 10 times more likely to quit than if they were to try alone.
To get started, call 800QUIT NOW (800-784-8669), or visit the website at www. QuitNowMontana.com to enroll. American Indian callers can reach Native coaches directly by calling 855-372-0037, and youth can text “Start my quit” or call 855-891-9989 to get started.
