Office of Work-Life Programs : Tobacco Cessation Program
List of Tobacco Cessation Resources
Click here to view a listing of nicotine / tobacco Cessation Resources.
Purpose of Program
Tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death in the United States and a major risk factor in many chronic illnesses. The Health Promotion Program recognizes that tobacco dependence is a chronic condition that often requires repeated intervention before life long freedom from nicotine dependence is achieved. Members are encouraged to utilize the services available at WWW.YouCanQuit2.ORG, a free online resource for the U.S. Military sponsored by the Department of Defense. You can also call the American Cancer Society Quit line at 1-800-QUIT NOW or 1-800-784-8669.
Facts about Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking today can dramatically improve the overall health of a tobacco user in the days, weeks and months to follow. Here are some examples of what a quitter will experience:
- Within 24 hours your lungs will start to clear out mucous
- Within 48 hours your sense of smell and taste will improve
- Within 72 hours you can breathe easier and have more energy
- Within 12 weeks, coughing, breathing and wheezing problems will improve
- Within one year, your risk of heart disease is reduced to 50% of a continuing smoker
- Within 10-15 years your risk of cancer is similar to that of someone who never smoked
Program Confidentiality
Discussion concerning tobacco use and names of individuals’ seeking or on treatment are confidential between the patient, the primary care provider, and/or the Health Promotion Manager (HPM) involved.
Coast Guard Policies Regarding Tobacco Use
It is Coast Guard policy to discourage the use of all forms of tobacco products and to protect non-users from exposure to ETS and unsanitary conditions created by the use of spit tobacco. The use of any tobacco product in public detracts from a sharp military appearance and is discouraged. Where conflicts arise between the rights of non-tobacco users and tobacco users, the rights of the non-tobacco user shall prevail.
The entire CG Nicotine Use Policy can be found in Chapter 3 of the Coast Guard Health Promotion Manual - COMDTINST M6200.1E
Program Resources
Your Health Promotion Manager (HPM) can offer unit-wide tobacco cessation education and training upon request. HPMs also maintain a library of tobacco cessation educational materials and a resource list for services outside of the CG.
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CG SUPRT - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
1-855-CGSUPRT (247-8778) or www.CGSUPRT.com
The CG SUPRT program provides tobacco cessation resources. Go to CGSUPRT.com and type "TOBACCO" in the search box. You can also contact the program 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling one toll-free number. The CG SUPRT program provides confidential professional counseling, education, and referral services to you and your family members.
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1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)
A free, phone-based service with educational materials and coaches that can help you quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
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Quit Tobacco - WWW.YouCanQuit2.ORG is a DoD site that provides numerous tools, resources and 24/7 coaching support.
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TRICARE Resources: beneficiaries can receive free tobacco cessation aids, including pharmaceuticals, find info on TRICARE-covered tobacco cessation services, access tobacco cessation coaches, or receive reimbursement for local programs.
Requesting Services or Resources
These services or resources can be obtained by contacting the Health Promotion Manager or EAP counselor on your Regional Work-Life Staff. Personnel experiencing stress/problems associated with tobacco cessation can also contact the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator on the Work-Life Staff. Work-Life Staffs are located at Integrated Support Commands CG-wide and at the Headquarters Support Command.
Program References
The following references provide details of the Tobacco Cessation Program:
Point of Contact
If you are unable to contact the Health Promotion Manager on your Regional Work-Life Staff, or need additional assistance beyond the information provided here, please contact the Headquarters Health Promotions Program Manager, Tim Merrell at (202) 475-5146, fax (202) 475-5907, or email at Timothy.M.Merrell@uscg.mil.