How to quit smoking

Last updated: 8/5/2026

Quitting smoking is an important step in improving your health. Capital Blue Cross offers resources and benefits that can support your journey to becoming tobacco-free.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States with nearly 1 in 5 American adults reporting current tobacco use. Smoking and other tobacco products are linked to serious health conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

However, creating a plan to quit and taking advantage of available resources can significantly increase your chances of success. Research shows that counseling and medications have been proven to be effective on their own and can produce even better outcomes when used together.

Woman breaking a cigarette

What are the most effective ways to quit smoking?

Seek Counseling

Counseling can provide you with support as you prepare to quit. Counseling can help you create a plan to stop smoking while preparing you to cope with urges to smoke and stress management.

Many plans offered by Capital Blue Cross include tobacco-cessation counseling sessions. Your primary care doctor can also connect you with behavioral therapies, support groups, and online resources you can access from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Medications

Medications and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to maintain progress.

Some plans from Capital Blue Cross include 180-day or two 90-day covered treatment regimens for tobacco cessation.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

  • Over-the-counter products: nicotine patch, gum, and lozenge
  • Prescriptions: nicotine patch, inhaler, and nasal spray.

Pill prescription medication

Bupropion SR (Zyban®) and varenicline tartrate (Chantix®) are two prescription medications that may be available to you. Talk with your doctor about which treatment option may be right for you. Refer to your plan's preventive prescription drug coverage information for specific coverage details.

Capital Blue Cross can help

Positive things can happen to your body just 20 minutes without smoking. Even more, quitting can lower your risk of a heart attack within two weeks to three months.

Capital Blue Cross offers many resources through our smoking cessation program. Quitting takes hard work, but you are not alone.

FAQs

What resources does Capital Blue Cross offer to help me quit smoking?

Capital Blue Cross offers a variety of tobacco-cessation resources and programs. Many plans also provide coverage for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and medications to help you quit successfully.

What medications are available to help me stop smoking?

There are several treatment options that may be available through your Capital Blue Cross plan, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) through patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays. Prescription medications like bupropion SR (Zyban®) and varenicline tartrate (Chantix®) may also be covered. Talk to your doctor to determine which option is right for you and review your plan’s coverage.

How can I manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms?

Common quitting strategies include using approved medications, avoiding smoking triggers, being physically active, practicing stress-management, and seeking counseling programs. Work with your doctor to create a plan that works for you.

This is not medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. The information provided is meant for a general audience. Capital Blue Cross and its affiliated companies believe this health education resource provides useful information but does not assume any liability associated with its use.