- Chronic Care
Smoking Cessation
Quit smoking today with smoking cessation treatments online
Tired of the damage smoking causes and ready to quit? In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified primary care doctor over the phone or computer and get smoking cessation treatment online. Your doctor will develop a comprehensive plan to quit smoking including behavioral strategies and prescription medicines.*
Book an appointment
Telehealth solutions for smoking cessation
Variety of treatments and medications available
Ease your cravings for cigarettes
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of smoking cessation. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about tobacco addiction
There are many misconceptions regarding smoking. People tend to think nicotine is not as addictive as other drugs, thus kicking the habit should be easy. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Nicotine is one of the most addictive and harmful substances someone can use. Even nicotine replacement products like electronic cigarettes and vape pens, that are disguised to be safer alternatives to normal cigarettes are harmful to the body. For those who want to quit, a comprehensive plan including behavior change or therapy, medication, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the safest and most effective way to become tobacco-free.
Symptoms of tobacco dependence (smoking addiction)
The most common symptom of tobacco dependence is a strong craving for cigarettes. You may feel like you need to smoke to relax or to get you out of a depressed mood. You may even do so to cope with stress. Other symptoms include:
Difficulty concentrating
Constantly thinking about cigarettes
Irritability
Restlessness
Depression
Anxiety
Headaches
How to Treat Tobacco Dependence
If you’re struggling with smoking, many treatment options are available to help you quit. These include:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
This is one of the most common and effective smoking cessation treatments. NRT involves using products like patches, gum, or lozenges to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Prescription Medications
Several prescription medications can help with smoking cessation, including bupropion and varenicline. These drugs block nicotine's effects on the brain, making it easier to quit smoking.
Counseling and Support Groups
Counseling and support groups can provide the emotional support you need to quit smoking. These groups can also help you develop coping skills for nicotine withdrawal and cravings.
Smoking Cessation Programs
Many hospitals and community organizations offer smoking cessation programs. These programs usually involve a combination of counseling, support groups, and education.
Quit Smoking Hotlines
Quit smoking hotlines like 1-800-QUIT-NOW can provide information and help you find resources in your area.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify the triggers that cause you to smoke and develop strategies to avoid them.
Smoking Cessation Medications
Bupropion (Zyban) - Bupropion is an antidepressant that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Varenicline (Chantix) - Varenicline is a prescription medication that blocks the effects of nicotine in the brain and decreases tobacco cravings.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - NRT products, such as patches, gum, and lozenges, can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They may be used in combination with other medications like bupropion or varenicline safely.
How to quit smoking
Kicking your smoking habit isn't as simple as deciding to quit. It takes time, effort, and planning. Here are a few tips to help you quit smoking:
Set a Quit Date
Choose a date when you will stop smoking and stick to it.
Get rid of Cigarettes and Ashtrays
Get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and workplace.
Tell Your Family and Friends
Tell your family and friends that you're looking to drop your smoking habit and ask for their support.
Avoid High-Risk Situations
Avoid situations where you are likely to smoke, such as bars or social events.
Develop a Coping Plan
Develop a plan for how you will deal with nicotine withdrawal and cravings, like chewing gum, practicing mindfulness, or calling a friend or support line
Get Help from a Quit Smoking Program
Many hospitals and community organizations offer tobacco smoking cessation programs. These programs usually involve a combination of counseling, support groups, and education. You can also call a quit smoking hotline for more information.
When to see a doctor to help quit smoking
If you’re struggling to quit smoking alone, it may be time to seek professional help. This is not uncommon, and many people need assistance to quit smoking. Here are a few reasons to visit a doctor for help:
You’ve tried to quit smoking on your own multiple times but have been unsuccessful.
You’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms that are making it difficult to quit.
You’re using tobacco more often or in higher amounts than you want to.
You’re unable to control your urge to smoke.
You’re smoking in situations where it is not allowed or is dangerous (e.g., while pregnant).
Related conditions to smoking
Smoking can cause countless negative effects in the human body. Below are just a few conditions that are related to smoking:
Cancer
Smoking is linked to several types of cancer, including lung, throat, and stomach cancer.
Heart Disease
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Stroke
Smoking can increase your risk of having a stroke.
Lung Disease
Smoking is the leading cause of lung disease in the United States.
Pregnancy Complications
Smoking during pregnancy can cause various complications, including low birth weight and premature birth.
Infertility
Smoking can reduce fertility in both men and women.
Erectile Dysfunction
Smoking is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction.
Oral Health Problems
Smoking can cause various health problems, including gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss.
Smoking cessation treatment FAQs
Which smoking cessation is most effective?
The most successful smoking cessation approach will differ from person to person. However, medications, gums, patches, inhalers, and lozenges all have good outcomes that boost smoking cessation rates by about 150% to 200%.
Do your lungs heal after you quit smoking?
The answer is yes, but it depends on how long you’ve been smoking. The longer you’ve been smoking, the longer your lungs will need to recover.
What are the 5 A’s of smoking cessation?
The Five A’s are a set of tools that may be used to help someone quit smoking. They are: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange.
Ask the smoker about tobacco usage and habits to see if they need assistance quitting.
Advise the smoker to quit smoking.
Assess if the smoker is willing and ready to attempt to quit.
Assist the smoker in quitting with support.
Arrange follow-up to check in with the smoker as they go through the process.
What are the common nicotine withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common are:
Cravings for cigarettes
Headaches
Nausea, constipation/gas, and stomach cramping
Irritability
Tingling in the hands or feet
Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Increased appetite & weight gain
Anxiety, restlessness and problems concentrating
These symptoms usually peak within the first three days after quitting smoking and will subside within 2 to 4 weeks.
How can I quit smoking fast?
PlushCare provides primary care doctors online for people who want to quit smoking fast. An online doctor at PlushCare can assist you in developing a plan for quitting smoking, suggest methods for coping, and provide you with prescription medications to help you stop smoking.
Same-day appointments are available, and appointments last on average 15 minutes. If you’re ready to take the leap, make an appointment now so you can stop smoking immediately.
3 simple steps to quit smoking today
Step 1
Book a same-day smoking cessation treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your smoking cessation needs.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
If prescribed, pick up a prescription to help with smoking cessation.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Smoking cessation treatment pricing details
How pricing works
Join our monthly membership and receive discounted visits to get Smoking Cessation treatment and a new prescription or refill on your current one.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Smoking cessation treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse). "What are the Treatments for Tobacco Dependence?" NIDA. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes/what-are-treatments-tobacco-dependence.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). "How Quit-Smoking Medicines Work." CDC. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quit-smoking-medications/how-quit-smoking-medicines-work/index.html.
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). "Want to Quit Smoking? FDA-Approved and FDA-Cleared Cessation Products Can Help." FDA. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/want-quit-smoking-fda-approved-and-fda-cleared-cessation-products-can-help.
MedlinePlus. "Smoking - Tips on How to Quit." MedlinePlus. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007439.htm.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.