What is Kick It?
Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. 211 Call Specialists connect callers to Quit Coaches and self-help resources. Highly trained Quit Coaches work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized quit plans and inspire clients to take quitting more seriously than ever.
Smoking is a habit that often fills a need, so you may have mixed feelings about quitting. Whether you’ve tried many times to quit or you’re just thinking about it for the first time, we’ll help you build a plan that will work for your life.
Quitting vapes can be hard. You can be physically addicted to nicotine and emotionally tied to the device. For young people, there can also be social pressure to vape. We help people of all ages overcome their specific challenges.
Talking to someone about quitting can be tricky. What you think of as “helping” they may hear as nagging. Rather than giving advice, try asking questions: How ready are they to quit? What concerns do they have about quitting?
How Quit Coaching Works
2. Create a Quit Plan
A Quit Coach will work with you to craft a personal Quit Plan using proven strategies. Listen to a planning call.
3. Quit for Good
A Quit Coach will check in with you at key points, to help you stay motivated and increase your chances of kicking nicotine.
Lets get started!
How many times have you said, “I’m going to quit” and then not gotten around to it? Setting an official Quit Date (with smaller goals along the way) helps your plan feel real and makes you more likely to follow through.
Triggers are people, places, or situations that make you want to smoke (for instance, smoking on work breaks). The more you understand these triggers, the easier it is to deal with them. So it’s important to figure out what your personal triggers are.
Finally, you’ll need some ways to handle your triggers. That could be calling a friend, chewing gum, or reminding yourself why you want to quit. A Quit Coach will help you come up with strategies that will work for you.
Top 10 Tips to Quit Smoking
1. Find a reason to quit
Do you want to breathe easier? Be around longer for your family? Save money? Whatever gets you fired up, write it down. A strong reason can get you started. And it will help you stay quit when you’re tempted to smoke.
2. Make a plan
Think about what triggers you to smoke. Is it stress? Being around smokers? Alcohol? Or something else? Plan to get through those times without smoking. Keep your hands busy and your mind off cigarettes. Examples: drink water, wash the dishes, talk to a nonsmoker.
3. Call 1-800-300-8086
People who call Kick It California are twice as likely to quit for good. A trained Quit Coach will help you make a personal plan and offer support along the way. It’s free, and it works!
4. Get support
Research shows that support while quitting can really help. Talk with your family and friends about your plan to quit. Let them know what they can do to help you.
5. Use a quitting aid kit
Quitting aids like nicotine patches, gum, and other FDA-approved medications are helpful. They can cut withdrawal symptoms and increase your chance of quitting for good. Your health plan or MediCal benefits may cover these products. Talk with your doctor about which quitting aids are right for you.
6. Make your home & car smoke-free
Having smoke-free areas can help you stop smoking. And your friends and family will enjoy cleaner air and a longer, happier life – with you still in it!
7. Set a quit date
Choose a date when you will quit. This shows you’re serious. And you’re more likely to give it a try.
8. Quit on your quit date
Sounds obvious, right? But what good is a quit date unless you actually try to stop smoking? Planning is good, doing is even better.
9. Picture being a nonsmoker
After you quit, you have a choice to make. Are you a smoker who’s just not smoking for now? Or are you a nonsmoker? For nonsmokers, smoking is not an option in any situation. Choose to see yourself as a nonsmoker.
10. Keep trying
Most people try several times before they quit for good. Slips don’t have to turn into relapses – but if they do, remember each time brings you closer to your goal.