Smoking Cessation

Approaches to Quitting Tobacco

• “Cold Turkey” refers to quitting completely without using any nicotine replacement therapy or medication.
• “Cut Back/Reduce” involves cutting back or reducing the amount of tobacco that you use per day. Keeping track of when you use tobacco, what you were doing, and how you are feeling can help you to cut back.
• Champix® or Zyban® are medications that can be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. Although they do not contain any nicotine, these medications can be effective in helping people quit smoking.  In Ontario, these medications are free for anyone to anyone on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, or for young adults 18-24 years through OHIP Plus, or Non-Insured Health Benefits (NHIB) for First Nations and Inuit.  For others, these medications may be covered under your drug plan.
• Cytisine is approved as a natural health product by Health Canada. It does not require a prescription and can be purchased from select pharmacies, health shops and directly online from the manufacturer.
• “Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)” (patch, lozenge, gum, spray, or inhaler) can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by replacing nicotine that you would normally get from using tobacco products. These are available over the counter without a prescription at most drug stores or pharmacies. Learn about how you may access NRT for free in the section below.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy is medication that can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in order to help you quit. These medications contain nicotine and are meant to replace the nicotine that you would normally get from using tobacco but without the chemicals and toxins found in cigarettes. 

There are several forms of NRT available such as the nicotine patch, lozenge, gum, inhaler, and mouth spray. When combined with counselling, NRT can increase your chances of quitting for good. 

Where can I get NRT?
NRT products such as the patch, lozenge, gum, spray, and inhaler are available over the counter without a prescription at most drug stores or pharmacies. NRT products may be available at no cost through the following programs.

• Pharmacy-Led Cessation Program – partnership with South Western Health Unit and London Middlesex Health Unit.
  Free NRT and smoking cessation counselling can be accessed at a number of participating pharmacies throughout London, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford and St. Thomas. Smokers who qualify to receive Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) are eligible to receive up to 6 months of free NRT (patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler and spray) along with counselling provided by a trained pharmacist. Click here for a list of participating pharmacies in the area.
• STOP on the NET is an online program designed to support individuals 18 years of age and older in an attempt to quit smoking. Eligible participants can receive a free 6-week NRT kit containing nicotine patches and gum/lozenges mailed directly to their address.
• Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation Community Program

For Ontarians who want to quit smoking but are not enrolled with a health care provider or cannot easily access smoking cessation support. Eligible participants will receive a consultation, follow-up support, and nicotine replacement therapy vouchers. Call 1-888-645-5405 and leave your contact information on the voicemail. A Nicotine Addiction Specialist will get back to you within 2 business days.

• The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nation and Inuit.
• Healthcare Providers:
  Those who are members of participating Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics, the Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centres (SOAHAC), Addiction Services or Long Term Care Facilities may offer free NRT to eligible patients through the Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) Program.  The STOP program started in 2005.  It is a province-wide initiative delivering s​​moking cessation treatment (up to 26 weeks of NRT) and counselling support to people who ​want to reduce/quit their tobac​co use. These supports are available free of charge, through partnerships with community health care organizations.
• The Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) Program at London InterCommunity Health Centre:
• Available to rostered medical clients.  Ask your health care provider for more information and/or a referral to this program.