How to choose a smoking cessation program

Better smoking cessation programs:

• Have at least 4 to 7 sessions that include self-help materials and individual or group counseling.
• Have sessions that last at least 20 to 30 minutes.
• Last at least 2 weeks past your quit date. Some programs spend several weeks preparing for the quit date. The program is often most useful after you have quit.
• Are affordable. Many programs are free or low-cost; others cost more. Some health insurance companies or employee assistance programs (EAPs) cover the cost of smoking cessation programs.

Most state health departments can recommend a program in your area.

Change your quit date to match the program date. In many communities, programs are only offered 2 to 3 times a year. Keep this in mind as you plan your timeline for quitting.

Avoid any program that promises to make quitting easy or that sounds like it has the only answer or a "secret" method that works better than any other method. There are no "magic bullets."