Break the Habit
A Pharmacist’s Toolkit for Smoking Cessation Counselling
Community Resources
- General Community Resources
- Apps
- Special Populations
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy Supply Resources
- Provincial Smoking Cessation Resources
- Provincial Smoking Cessation Helplines
General Community Resources
There are many smoking cessation tools available across Canada. This list offers a comprehensive array of tools and supports to aid smoking cessation, featuring a variety of online programs, educational resources, apps, helplines and free product support. Please see individual resources for more information.
Build Smoke-Free
A tobacco cessation support designed for trade workers. It is partnership program of the Canadian Cancer Society, Ottawa Public Health and EllisDon that receives financial support from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
www.buildsmokefree.ca/s/?language=en_US
Canadian Cancer Society Quit Map
Search for smoking cessation and vaping resources by location, online and by phone.
https://csl.cancer.ca/smokershelpline/en
Canadian Lung Association
Offers smoking cessation tips including the benefits of quitting, managing withdrawal symptoms and how to be a quit buddy.
http://www.lung.ca/lung-health/smoking-tobacco
Health Canada
Health Canada has a solid collection of information on tobacco use and tobacco control in Canada, health facts and how to quit smoking. It includes Health Canada’s “On the Road to Quitting” self-help program, free quit smoking daily e-mail messages and “I quit for me”: a program designed to help Canadians youth quit smoking.
http://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/road-quitting-guide-becoming-non-smoker-young-adults.html
Lung Health Foundation
Direct support line for smoking cessation from a Certified Tobacco Educator.
https://lunghealth.ca/support-resources/helpline/
Nod from 2050
A website that encourages youth to reflect on their long-term goals with respect to vaping nicotine.
https://nodfrom2050.ca/eng-ca/
Not An Experiment
An interactive website that highlights the dangers of vaping.
http://www.notanexperiment.ca/
Quit Smoking
An online quit course for cancer patients from Ontario Health.
https://elearning.ontariohealth.ca/mod/scorm/view.php?id=1011
Smoke Free Curious
A national and bilingual tobacco cessation social marketing campaign offered by Health Canada that aims to support Canadian adult tobacco users to quit their commercial tobacco use.
http://www.smokefreecurious.ca/s/?language=en_US
Smokers’ Helpline
A free, confidential service operated by the Canadian Cancer Society that offers support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and tobacco use.
http://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/campaigns/quit-smoking.html
Tools for a Smoke-Free Life
Smoking cessation self-help resources offer by the Government of Canada.
http://www.smokershelpline.ca/
Vaping educational online self-led module
Self-led modules offered by Health Canada Experiences that include engaging activities, informative content and discussion questions about vaping.
https://healthcanadaexperiences.ca/programs/consider-the-consequences-of-vaping/online-self-led-module/
Apps
Smoking cessation apps can serve as invaluable tools to support individuals looking to quit, conveniently offering tailored support and resources through any mobile device. The following apps have been reviewed by literature and offer evidence-based support for users.
QuitSure
Apple and Android
A comprehensive app that provides tools and support for smoking cessation. Program designed to be completed in 6–12 days.
- Coaching
- Quit exercises
- Daily sessions with text and video content
- Requires 10 hours to complete
Free to download; subscription: ~$50/month (with discount code)
Smoke Free-Quit Smoking Now
Apple and Android
A personalized quit smoking app that offers tracking, goals and community support.
- Daily missions
- Chatbot
- Quit coach
Free to download; in-app purchases: ~$1.39–$37.99 monthly/yearly(depending on the type of subscription)
QuitNow!
Apple and Android
Tracks smoking habits and offers a supportive community for individuals striving to quit.
- Easy-to-use interface
- Progress tracking (up to 70 goals)
- Community support to connect with other users to share experiences and achievements
Free to download; QuitNow! PRO: ~$2.99–$23.99 monthly/yearly (depending on the type of subscription)
Kwit Smoking for Good - KWIT
Apple and Android
Utilizes gamification and personalized coaching to aid users in breaking free from smoking addiction.
- Best for gamification (motivational features)
- Progress tracking
- Breathing exercise
Free to download; $19.99 premium 1-month $89.99 premium lifetime
Craving To QUIT!
Apple and Android
A 21-day quit program created by Yale University based on mindfulness training.
- Videos
- Tracker
- Reminders
- Live coach
Free to download; free (3 days) $24.99/month $139.99/life
Special Populations
Diverse populations may be interested in resources designed to support their specific needs. Here are some resources that are available.
Canadian Resources for Indigenous Populations
Talk Tobacco
A confidential program offering culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and commercial tobacco use to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities.
http://www.smokershelpline.ca/talktobacco/home
Indigenous Tobacco Program
This site provides tobacco-wise messaging with and for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners across Ontario.
https://tobaccowise.cancercareontario.ca/en
Canadian Resources for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities
Expand Project
An initiative to start a dialog with 2S, Indigiqueer, queer, and trans communities about smoking.
www.expandproject.ca/s/?language=en_US
Canadian Francophone Resource
Module éducatif autogéré en ligne sur le vapotage
Self-led modules offered by Health Canada Experiences that include engaging activities, informative content and discussion questions about vaping.
https://www.canada.ca/fr/services/sante/campagnes/vapotage.html
International Resource
Nicotine Anonymous
A non-profit 12-step fellowship of people helping each other live nicotine-free.
www.nicotine-anonymous.org
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Supply Resources
Free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gums and lozenges is available across Canada. For information on where and how to access it, please see individual resources for more information. Some resources are limited by the province/territory.
NL Smoking Cessation Program
For adults registered under NLPDP Access, Foundation (income support) or 65+ plans, nicotine patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers are covered every 14 days for 12 weeks with a prescription. Patients pay only $3 per dispense at a pharmacy.
https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/files/PSCP-Health-Care-Provider-Brochure.pdf
Nova Scotia Stop Smoking Program
Funding/support for nicotine replacement therapy and other quit smoking aids is available. The type and amount vary by program.
https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/stop-smoking-program
PEI Smoking Cessation Program
This program requires participants to see a nurse and fill an intake form in a local primary care network. Participants are then eligible for a nicotine replacement therapy product or a prescription medication for 6–18 weeks.
www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/smoking-cessation
Quitpath Yukon
Offers 12 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy for those 18 years of age and older. Join and connect with a quit coach for more information.
http://www.quitpath.ca/quitting/medications
Smokers’ Helpline
Smokers’ Helpline offers a free trial combination package of NICODERM patches and NICORETTE nicotine gum to qualifying quitters.
https://smokershelpline.ca/trial-pack/trial-offer
Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients
Nicotine replacement therapy is provided free of charge to clients who wish to quit smoking. Products available include patches, inhalers, gum and lozenges. Clients can receive up to 26 weeks’ worth of products.
https://cmhatv.ca/programs-services/stop
STOP of the Net (ON)
Free quit smoking medication is offered to eligible individuals for 10 weeks of treatment.
http://www.nicotinedependenceclinic.com/en/stop/stop-on-the-net
Provincial Smoking Cessation Resources
Resources are also available at a provincial level through provincial online smoking cessation resources as well as local support groups, cessation clinics and text supports that individuals can book or join to help achieve their goals.
British Columbia
BC Lung Foundation
This website provides information about tobacco, vaping and cannabis, offering information about risks, side effects and quitting.
https://bclung.ca/quit-smokingvaping/what-you-need-know-about-vaping-facts-risks-faqs-and-more
BC Smoking Cessation Program
BC PharmaCare’s Smoking Cessation Program helps eligible BC residents of any age stop using tobacco products.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/what-we-cover/bc-smoking-cessation-program
First Nations Health Authority
This site’s Respecting Tobacco section offers information on traditional tobacco and how to quit commercial tobacco usage.
http://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations/wellness-streams/respecting-tobacco
QuitNow BC
A quit plan sets you up for success on the journey ahead, no matter what your goals are.
https://quitnow.ca/join?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7-zv4_rW_gIVai2tBh0X1wBdEAAYASAAEgK6HvD_BwE
Vancouver Smoking Cessation Clinic
Smoking cessation clinics provide personalized counselling support and education by a doctor or nurse to help stop smoking or vaping. Appointments are available in person (in Vancouver at VGH) or by phone or video. Youth or parents can book an appointment directly (no referral needed) by phone at 604-875-4800 (select option 2) or by email at cessationclinic@vch.ca.
Alberta
AlbertaQuits
This site helps individuals prepare to stop smoking by outlining what to expect and how to prepare for roadblocks along the journey to successfully quit.
https://albertaquits.healthiertogether.ca
AlbertaQuits Text Support
Alberta Health Services offers a free 3-month text messaging program that delivers motivational messages, advice and tips to those who want to quit.
Text: ABQUITS to 123456
QuitCore
QuitCore is a free group support program for Albertans 18 years of age and older. The program consists of six 90-minute sessions over a period of up to 9 weeks at various locations around the province.
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?id=1022663
Saskatchewan
Lung Sask Ready to Quit
This website helps individuals with the necessary steps to get ready to quit smoking.
http://www.lungsask.ca/school-zone/vaping/ready-quit
Saskatchewan Quits Support Group (Facebook)
Saskatchewan Quits is a peer support group for people looking to quit smoking or cut back on smoking. The Facebook group is run by Lung Sask.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/saskatchewanquits
Manitoba
Commit to Quit
This is a series of workshops run by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority for anyone who would like to reduce or stop their tobacco or nicotine use. Participants learn about triggers, setting realistic goals and how to start reducing usage.
https://wrha.mb.ca/groups/commit-to-quit/
Manitoba Quits (Facebook)
Manitoba Quits is a peer support group for people looking to quit smoking and stay smoke-free. This Facebook group is a collaboration between the Manitoba Lung Association and the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA).
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ManitobaQuits/
The Quit Crowd (Facebook)
The Quit Crowd is a Facebook community of Manitobans looking to quit smoking or stay smoke-free.
http://www.facebook.com/TheQuitCrowd
Ontario
CAMH STOP on the Net
This online program provides support to those who want to quit smoking.
http://www.nicotinedependenceclinic.com/en/stop/stop-on-the-net
NWQuit.com
This is a resource hub for those looking to quit commercial tobacco use in Northwestern Ontario.
http://www.tbdhu.com/health-topics/smoking-vaping-tobacco/nwquit-com
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Quit Smoking Program
This is a nurse-led clinic that provides one-on-one support for people attempting to quit smoking.
http://www.ottawaheart.ca/clinic/quit-smoking-program
Québec
Tobacco-Free Quebec
Discover I QUIT NOW services and their free personalized support via online help, by phone, in person or by text. Services are available in French.
https://www.tobaccofreequebec.ca/iquitnow
New Brunswick
Smoke and Vape Free NB
This website is a resources for individuals looking to quit smoking or to help someone else quit.
https://smokeandvapefreenb.ca/quit-smoking/adults/
Smoke Free NB Text Support
Text: SMOKEFREENB to 123456
https://www.tobaccofreenb-nbsanstabac.ca/en/support/text
Text with a quit expert from the New Brunswick Quit Line.
Vitalité Health Network Smoking Cessation Clinic
The Smoking Cessation Clinic provides individual consultations to those who want to stop smoking or vaping.
http://www.vitalitenb.ca/en/points-service/smoking-cessation-clinic-0
Prince Edward Island
PEI Smoking Cessation Program
The PEI Smoking Cessation Program helps PEI residents who wish to stop smoking or using other tobacco products by covering 100% of the cost of nicotine replacement therapy products (i.e., nicotine gum, lozenges, patches and inhaler) and specific smoking cessation prescription medications.
http://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/smoking-cessation
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Health Stop Smoking Program
Stop smoking, tobacco cessation and nicotine addiction services are available throughout Nova Scotia for individuals who want to cut back or stop their tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, vapes, chews, etc.).
https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/stop-smoking-program
Tobacco Free Nova Scotia
This site offers free and confidential personalized support to help individuals quit smoking.
https://tobaccofree.novascotia.ca/
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline
This Quit Guide provides many practical tips to help individuals create their own quit plan. The site also offers phone, text and email support and other mindful programs.
http://www.smokershelp.net/quit
Truth About Vaping
This site offers information about vaping, health effects, addiction and lung health.
https://truthaboutvaping.ca/
Yukon
Quitpath
Quitpath offers free text, phone and email support for those who want to quit smoking.
http://www.quitpath.ca/
Northwest Territories
Nunavut Quits
This website assists residents of Nunavut on their journey to quitting commercial tobacco.
https://nuquits.gov.nu.ca/
Nunavut
Tobacco Cessation Clinic (Yellowknife)
The Yellowknife Tobacco Cessation clinic offers free and private services at the Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic or through virtual care.
http://www.nthssa.ca/en/services/tobacco-cessation-clinic-yellowknife
Provincial Smoking Cessation Helplines
These helplines offer free telephone support from trained specialists who can help develop a personal quit plan or provide counselling to family and friends.
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Health Canada Helpline British Columbia Quit Now AlbertaQuits Saskatchewan Smokers’ Helpline Ontario Smokers’ Helpline Québec Ligne J'ARRÊTE New Brunswick Quit Smoking and Vaping |
PEI Smokers’ Helpline Tobacco Free Nova Scotia Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline Yukon Quitpath Yukon Smokers’ Helpline NWT Quitline Nunavut Quitline |