Get the help you need to make your quit a successful one.
Choosing to make a change for yourself does not mean you have to quit by yourself. Here are some options you can choose from, to support you on your journey to quit success.
Phone support
The AlbertaQuits helpline is FREE for all residents of Alberta, open from 8AM to 8PM seven days a week. Call toll-free at 1-866-710-7848 to receive confidential, non-judgemental support from Quit Counsellors. They will help you deal with cravings and help you stay motivated. Translation services are also available.
You can also complete our self-referral form and a Health Link AlbertaQuits Tobacco Counsellor will contact you.
Text support
AHS offers a FREE 3-month text messaging program that delivers motivational messages, advice and tips to your cell to help you quit. The text service has been enhanced to include support for quitting vaping and a live chat feature with quit counsellors. The free text service is designed for those who are ready to set a quit date within the next 30 days, or have recently quit. Messages are tailored to your quit date.
Text the word ABQUITS to number 123456 to register for free.
When you register:
1. You will be asked to text back your quit date in yyyy-mm-dd format.
2. You will receive a confirmation message and a maximum of 3 messages per day.
You can also use some keywords like CRAVE (info about beating cravings) or STRESS (coping with stress) to get extra, on-demand, support when you need it. Get a list of available keywords by texting KEYWORDS on your phone.
Group support
QuitCore is a FREE group support program that provides Albertans (18+) with the tools and skills they need to quit using tobacco. As a part of Quitcore, you will join six 90-minute sessions that are guided by a trained facilitator.
Quitcore is currently offered in both virtual and in-person formats. You can join a group online to share your stories, learn new coping strategies and celebrate milestones. When joining virtually, you will need a device with a video camera, audio, and a secure internet connection. You can join a group through your smartphone, tablet or computer.
If you would like to attend a Quitcore group, call the AlbertaQuits Helpline at 1-866-710-7848 and a counsellor will help you find and register for an upcoming group. See a calendar with the upcoming groups. Use the arrows in the blue box to change the month you are looking at. If you find a group that works for you, note the course code (e.g. Q_VIRTUAL01) and reference it when you call to register.
Counselling Support
Did you know that your healthcare provider, may provide a one-to-one counselling service to help you stop smoking? Visit your local pharmacy or call your doctor to find out. You can also call the AlbertaQuits Helpline to help you find a counsellor near you.
Click here to access the CCS Quit Map to search for counselling support in your local community. Please note that this is a third party site and you will be leaving AlbertaQuits.ca.
Visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca for more information and tools, like Tracking your Smoking, and the Cost of Smoking calculator. Information about vaping and other types of tobacco can also be found there.
