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Quit & Win Smoking Cessation Program

Health Promotion services are FREE for all NYU students.
726 Broadway
3rd Floor
212-443-1234
health.promotion@nyu.edu



An inter-disciplinary program of SHC. All services are confidential.

The Quit & Win program is coordinated by the Health Promotion Office (HPO) in collaboration with Primary Care and Counseling and Behavioral Health Services. It is open to all students and provides a terrific opportunity for NYU students to experience the benefits of a smoke-free life.

The program has 3 steps:

Step 1: Consultation
During a brief introductory consultation with a Quit & Win specialist, you will have a confidential discussion about the program and which track is best for you. If you decide to enroll in the full Quit & Win program, you will return for an intake session during which you will complete a comprehensive intake form, receive a Quit & Win workbook, and review your options for quitting. You will also have the opportunity to be screened to receive FREE nicotine patches provided by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Step 2: Choose Your Quit Method
Quitting is a different process for everyone. There is no one right way to do it. During the Quit & Win program, you will work with the specialist to find the option(s) that work best for you. Keep in mind, you greatly increase your chances of quitting if you combine counseling, NRT, and/or medication.

  • On Your Own
    Also known as "Cold Turkey." This involves quitting with no other support beyond yourself. You will stop smoking completely, without medication, counseling or nicotine replacement therapy.

  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):

    • Nicotine Patch
      "The Patch" comes in a range of strengths and can be used for daytime only or for 24 hours. It delivers a steady dose of nicotine into the blood stream through the skin and is easy to use. Available for free to eligible quitters in the Health Promotion Office (full enrollment in the Quit & Win program is not necessary).
    • Nicotine Gum
      Gum comes in 4 flavors - original, fruit chill, freshmint and mint. As you chew, the nicotine is released and then absorbed through the lining of your mouth. You don’t want to chew too much or swallow the nicotine. Chew for a while, then rest the gum against your cheek for a few minutes. Repeat.
    • Nicotine Lozenges
      Lozenges come in the form of a hard candy, which release nicotine as it slowly dissolves in the mouth. Eventually, the quitter will use fewer and fewer loszenges during the 12-week period until he/she is completely nicotine-free.
    • Nicotine Inhaler (by prescription)
      Inhalers look like a cross between a pen and a cigarette holder. You insert a nicotine "plug" into the holder and simply inhale through a mouthpiece using deep or shallow puffs. It is available by prescription only.
    • Nicotine Nasal Spray (by prescription)
      Nicotine nasal spray is the most potent form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). It is recommended for heavier, more dependent smokers. To use the spray, tip your head back, insert the nozzle into your nose and push down on the top of the bottle so that a puff is released.

  • Prescription Medications:

    • Bupropion
      More commonly known as Zyban® or Wellbutrin, this antidepressant was approved in 1997 to help smokers quit. The drug works to reduce the effects of nicotine in the brain, the withdrawal symptoms, and the urge to smoke.
    • Chantix™
      The newest prescription drug is only the second nicotine-free smoking cessation drug to gain FDA approval. The active ingredient, Varenicline, works in two ways -- by cutting the pleasure of smoking and reducing the withdrawal symptoms that lead to slips and relapse.

Step 3: Follow-Up
The Quit & Win Specialist will contact you by phone or email you after 1, 6, and 12 months post-quitting to see how you are doing.

Cost:
There is no charge for the Quit & Win Program.

GETTING STARTED - For more information or to sign up:
To find out how Quit & Win can help you best, contact the Health Promotion Office (HPO) by calling (212) 443-1234, emailing health.promotion@nyu.edu, or stopping by the office (3rd Floor) in the Student Health Center.

Be ready to answer these two questions:

  1. In which option are you interested?
    • Cessation Information Only
    • Information and the Free Nicotine Patch
    • Individual Quit and Win Program
    • Group Quit & Win Program
  2. With which statement can you most closely identify?
    • "I am considering quitting, but I'm not ready yet."
    • "I am going to reduce my use from ___ to ___ cigarettes."
    • "I am going to quit in the next 30 days."
    • "I have recently quit and I need help."

Please Note: The Quit & Win Program does not include the cost of prescription medication or Nicotine Replacement Therapy products with the exception of the Nicotine Patch to eligible participants.