Call or text

How does the text service work?

It's a FREE 3 month mobile texting service designed for people who are trying to quit smoking.

Text QUITNOW to 654321 and you'll be prompted to text back your quit date before your messages begin.

Not ready to set a quit date? That's ok too - we've got you covered. Once you text QUITNOW to 654321 - you will be prompted to set a quit date or text THINKING if you are thinking about quitting but aren’t ready to set a quit date.

You will receive daily motivational texts for three weeks to help you explore your uncertainty and take the next step on your quitting journey.

Text STOP to 654321 to stop receiving messages at any time.

Text CHANGE to 654321 if you want to set a new quit date.

Have questions or feedback? Please contact us at quitnow@bc.lung.ca

Note: This service is available at no cost to you, but standard message and data rates may apply, including global roaming charges if you travel outside the country. Check with your mobile provider.

How many text messages will I receive?

If you set a quit date - it's a 3 month program, and you'll receive messages tailored to your quit date.

Before your quit date:  you will receive up to 2 messages per day up to two weeks prior to your quit date to help you prepare (up to 22 messages).

During the first month of your quit: you'll get about 2 messages per day for the first three weeks of your quit and 1 message per day for the fourth week of your quit (up to 60 messages).

After one month of your quit: you'll receive 2 messages per week for two months to help you avoid slips and stay on track (up to 16 messages).

What if I need extra support to get me through the day?

Try our new Text-to-Chat feature for real-time, personalized help from our Quit Coaches. Simply text CHAT for help to plan your quit, stay motivated and overcome challenges.

You can also receive on-demand messages whenever you need an extra boost. Text the following keywords any time to 654321:
ALCOHOL / CRAVE / HUNGER / SLIP / STRESS

Text STOP at any time to stop receiving messages.

Need more help? Call our free phone support service at 1-877-455-2233 for help from a trained quit coach.

What if I'm having technical problems?

If you are having problems with the program, like not getting your text messages - or if you have feedback to improve the service, please contact us at:  quitnow@bc.lung.ca.

Call 1.877.455.2233 Toll-Free to get help when you're ready. Coaches can help you with a personalized quit plan and coping strategies to deal with cravings. Any info discussed is completely confidential.

What to expect when you call:

When you first speak with a Quit Coach assistant, they will take your contact information and a brief smoking history. Next, if you're ready to set a quit date, you'll be scheduled for your first of 8 call backs with a Quit Coach. Here is what to expect:

Call #1: On your first scheduled call, your Quit Coach will:

• assess your readiness to quit;
• help you pick a quit date;
• help you build a quit plan that includes tips and tools to get you ready; 
• discuss quit medications and explain your options.

Call #2: Your Quit Coach will call you about 2 days before your quit date to:

• review your quit plan and help you address difficult situations that might trip you up;
• check in to see how you’re feeling about your quit date;
• reinforce your decision to quit on your chosen date. 

Call #3:  On your scheduled quit date, your Quit Coach will call to:

• see how you are doing and how the quitting medications are working (if you are using them); 
• review quitting tips and ways to deal with tough situations;
• answer any extra questions you might have.

Call #4: Your Quit Coach will call you a couple of days after your quit date to:

• check on your progress;
• review the challenges;
• reinforce your reasons for quitting;
• help you with new coping strategies;
• help you get back on track if you’ve had a slip.

Call #5, #6 & #7: Your Quit Coach will make a call seven days, 30-days and 90-days after your quit date to:

• see how you are doing and provide support as needed;
• help you plan for your tobacco-free future.

While this is your final scheduled call, your QuitCoach will invite you to call back at any time if you experience any difficulties. 

Follow up call: Several months after our last conversation we'll follow up to check in, see how you are doing, and ask you to complete a short survey about your experience -- which helps us evaluate our service and improve it for the future.