Stay Smoke-free: Ways to Quit
VA can help you quit for good
If you’ve tried before to quit and weren’t successful, don’t be discouraged. VA offers proven treatments to help Veterans successfully quit. Together, counseling and medication give you the best chance of quitting smoking. Learn more about how to quit and how VA can help.
Medication
Once you stop smoking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or triggers that’ll make you want to smoke. That’s where medication can help. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like the nicotine patch or gum, can help curb your physical symptoms. By managing your cravings, you can go through your smoke-free life more smoothly.
If you’re trying to quit smoking, ask your provider about which medications might be right for you. Reaching out with a Secure Message is an easy way to start the conversation.
Learn more about Secure Messaging
Counseling
Over time, smoking becomes a part of your daily life. You might link smoking with everyday routines or feelings, which makes it harder to quit. Counseling gives you the skills to notice these triggers and develop strategies to resist smoking. Talk to your provider about the options available to you. Or call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, to talk to a quit coach.
Stay Quit Coach mobile app
When paired with counseling and medication, the Stay Quit Coach mobile app can provide extra support and help you stay on track.
Stay Quit Coach has tools to help you manage stress, develop coping plans, and track your progress. You can choose to receive daily support messages and medication reminders. The app is free, secure, and easy to use.
Learn more about the Stay Quit Coach mobile app
Getting started
When you’re ready to quit, send a Secure Message or schedule an appointment to talk to your provider about your options.
Learn more about Secure Messaging
Learn more about managing appointments
Learn more about quitting smoking on VA's Tobacco and Health webpage
Sign in to manage your health
In 2025, you'll need to use a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in to My HealtheVet and other VA tools.
You must be a VA patient to access some parts of your VA health record. If you’re not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply now.
Learn how to apply for VA health care
Please vote in our unscientific poll. All responses are anonymous.
Read more
How to Quit (VA)
Build Your Quit Plan (SmokefreeVET)
SmokefreeVET Text (SmokefreeVET)
Updated February 3, 2025