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Quit Smoking

There are many reasons why you may want to quit smoking. Whatever your reason, it is always a good time to quit.

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Last updated: November 2023

There are many reasons why you may want to quit smoking, such as health concerns, second-hand smoke harm, cost or financial concerns. Whatever your reason, it is always a good time to quit.

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Health risks from smoking

Smoking increases the risk of death from heart disease and various cancers, such as lung cancer. To learn more about the effects of smoking on your health, read below:

Smoking while pregnant can harm your baby. If you are pregnant and want to learn about quitting smoking, consult your health care provider. For more information, read Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Smoke During Pregnancy.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking can be difficult. Replacing cigarettes with other tobacco and nicotine products can still affect your health. For tips on how to quit and how to deal with temptations and cravings, read below:

Second-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke is poisonous and has over 4000 chemicals, including 50 that can cause cancer. For more information, read The harmful effects of second-hand smoke (HealthLinkBC File #30a).

Smoking cessation aids

Smoking cessation aids include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products and prescription medications. NRT products are over-the-counter medications that ease withdrawal symptoms by replacing the nicotine produced by smoking. Prescription smoking cessation medications help you quit smoking by managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings and reducing your urge to smoke. They do not contain nicotine. For more information, see:

To learn about the BC Smoking Cessation Program and how you can get NRT products or prescription smoking cessation drugs, visit the BC Smoking Cessation Program.

Lifestyle checkup tools

Learn about health and interactive tools to help you measure your willingness to quit, assess the health effects of smoking, and more.

Useful websites

BC PharmaCare - BC Smoking Cessation Program

The BC Smoking Cessation Program helps people quit smoking or using other tobacco products by helping them pay for smoking cessation aids. This program is open to B.C. residents who wish to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. For more information, visit the BC Smoking Cessation Program.

QuitNow

QuitNow is a free program for British Columbians by the BC Lung Foundation on behalf of the Government of British Columbia. They offer a free service to help you quit smoking and remain smoke-free. You can interact with other quitters, track your status and savings, and connect with Quit Coaches.

For more information, visit QuitNow.ca.