Employee Smoking Cessation Resources
Employees who are interested in smoking cessation can consult with Bryan Weiss, Director of Healthier U, who will help them develop a cessation program.
Individuals in need of assistance dealing with a wide range of work and life concerns, related to smoking or not, should reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Stony Brook University. EAP is a confidential assessment, referral and consultation service available at no cost to faculty, staff, graduate student employees, retirees and their dependents.
Daily nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available complimentary through Healthier U.
Tips to help you quit:
- Talk to your doctor: Let your medical provider(s) know right from the start when you plan to stop using tobacco. Nicotine – and withdrawals from it – may affect certain health conditions and create interactions with medications.
- Get support: Let your friends and relatives know that you are trying to quit using tobacco and ask them not to offer you tobacco, or use it, around you.
- Form a buddy system: Establish relationships with others trying to quit and call each other when you have cravings and are in danger of relapse. This will create a stronger relationship amongst you and make the situation easier.
- Figure out your "triggers": Are you cravings strongest after meals? When under stress? At the end of the work day? If you can identify when your desires are strongest, you’ll have a better chance to replace tobacco with healthier options during those times.
- Think "five minutes at a time": When you have a desire for tobacco, try and wait five minutes. If you can do this, studies show the urge to use will be greatly lessened.
- Make reminder notes: Write down all the reasons why you decided to stop using tobacco and place them where you normally keep you tobacco-related products. This will help you stop and reinforce your commitment before usage.
- Stay busy, get active and be healthy: Create as many healthy distractions as possible to keep your mind preoccupied and deter smoking compulsion.
Contact Bryan Weiss, Director of Healthier U, for assistance with dietary and lifestyle modification
options.
LEARN TO BE…TOBACCO FREE Smoking Cessation Program
Offered through Suffolk County Department of Health, LEARN TO BE…TOBACCO FREE is a FREE six-week, one-hour-per-week program offered both on and off Stony Brook campus. Techniques to stop smoking as well as stress management, relaxation and behavior modification will be shared and skills will be developed.
Nicotine replacement therapy will be provided for a 12-month period for $50 (contingent on participant remaining smoke free).
Speaker is a smoking cessation counselor/educator with the Suffolk County Department of Health or Stony Brook University.
Program locations details:
- Stony Brook Education Center, 14 Technology Drive, Suite 1, East Setauket. Call Health Connect to register at (631) 444-4000
- Stony Brook Hospital Employee Health & Wellness. Program occurs on a quarterly basis. Call 444-7767 for more information and to register
- Long Island State Veterans Home. Call 444-8526 for program particulars
- For off-campus schedules and locations, please visit the Suffolk County Government's Smoking Cessation Program and Class Schedule
- Starter kit includes up to four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges for eligible smokers trying to stop smoking
- Screening by phone determines eligibility
- Program available up to 2x per year per participant
- Counseling, education materials and other information available
- QuNitY – NYSmokeFree online community provides:
- Quit messaging (personalized and on-demand text and e-mails messages)
- Forum to share stories and leverage support from other members and coaches
- Journal to log personal stories, challenges and successes; provides option to be published and publically viewed
- Chat room to have live, interactive dialogue with members and coaches
- Phone calls with coaches
Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island Cessation Resources
The Medical Society of the State of New York NYS Smoking Cessation Programs – Nassau/Suffolk County
New York State Department of Health – Tobacco Cessation Centers
Women.Smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of women trying to quit smoking.
CDC: Tobacco Information and Prevention Resources
Espanol.smokefree.gov - A website in Spanish dedicated to help you quit smoking
Pathways to Freedom: Winning the Fight Against Tobacco - Guide that addresses tobacco issues specific to African Americans. Pathways to Freedom was produced in partnership with key segments of the African American community, including churches, service organizations and educational institutions.
FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products - Article discussing FDA-approved products that help you quit smoking.
