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About Stop smoking

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the CDC, tobacco use accounts for more than 480,000 deaths every year. In other words, 1 in 5 people die from the consequences of smoking cigarettes. Mortality rates among individuals who smoke are three times higher than among those who do not smoke.

While the number of adults who smoke has dramatically decreased in the last decade (down from 20.9% in 2005 to 11.5% in 2021), it is still the case that 12 of every 100 adults still smoke cigarettes. This equates to over 28 million people. The Surgeon General of the United States estimates that this number is closer to 34 million people.

The majority of people who smoke do want to quit. A 2015 study from the CDC shows that over 68% of people who smoke want to quit. 30-50% of adults who smoke have tried to quit before. Unfortunately, only about 7.5% are able to succeed.

Quitting smoking is easier said than done. For many people, it may take upwards of 30 attempts before the habit is “kicked”. This process can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Not only do cigarettes contain addictive chemicals that make you crave them, but your brain and body actually adapt to using them. This means that when you try to quit, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. For some, these reactions are strong enough to either go back to smoking or avoid quitting altogether.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Cravings
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Irritability and frustration
Difficulty concentrating
Jumpiness or restlessness
Increased hunger and weight gain

These symptoms can be very intense. However, withdrawal symptoms will not harm you. In the long run, the benefits of smoking cessation far outweigh the moments of discomfort you may experience while trying to quit.

Doctors often recommend the following treatment options to help you quit smoking. Note that you should always defer to the treatment plan your doctor recommends.

Nicotine replacement therapy--or NRT--is one of the most common methods used to quit smoking. Nicotine is the psychoactive stimulant in cigarettes. This psychoactive effect is what people become addicted to. NRT involves the use of nicotine in forms other than cigarette smoking. This allows a patient to get a dose of the chemical without inhaling the dangerous substances that accompany nicotine in cigarettes.

Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays are available via prescription in the United States. Both of these methods of administration are fast-acting, meaning that you will feel the effects of the nicotine within a few minutes of applying a dose. Follow your doctor's orders regarding how often you can use these products. Some side effects may occur. Talk to your health care provider if you begin to notice adverse reactions to these prescription treatment options.

In addition to prescription treatment, there are a wide variety of nicotine products available over the counter. This means that you can purchase them without the need of a prescription.

Common forms of OTC nicotine products include:

  • Gum
  • Lozenges
  • Patches

These products may cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider before starting treatment with any OTC nicotine replacement options. If these OTC products are not effectively curbing your urges, talk to your provider about increasing your dosage or switching to another form of NRT.

In addition to lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, and NRT, your health care provider may prescribe medication to help reduce cravings.

Prescription medication used to help patients quit smoking includes:

Varenicline: Varenicline works by blocking nicotine’s effect on certain receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasurable effects of smoking. Additionally, varenicline acts on these same receptors (known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors), a mechanism that provides ex-smokers a version of the dopamine effects caused by nicotine. It essentially gives a small version of the relief and pleasure smokers feel when they smoke, without the harmful effects of smoking.

Bupropion SR: Bupropion SR is a mild form of antidepressant medication that blocks the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two chemicals produced naturally in the brain that are responsible for stabilizing your mood and telling your brain to feel happy/ Sometimes, though, your brain reabsorbs these chemicals too quickly after they are produced, inhibiting them from doing their job and making you feel good. This process is called “reuptake.” Bupropion is a reuptake inhibitor, meaning it keeps the body from absorbing these chemicals too quickly. These same effects play a part in bupropion’s use as an anti-smoking aid. By blocking dopamine reuptake in the brain, bupropion helps reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms that may occur as you stop smoking. Because bupropion elongates feelings of motivation and reward by blocking dopamine reuptake, the urge to smoke is reduced.

Bupropion XL: Bupropion XL's effects are the same as those of bupropion SR.

Bupropion XL is designed to release the drug slowly into the body, with effects lasting up to 24 hours. This means that you only need to take bupropion XL once a day. Bupropion SR is absorbed into the body more quickly than XL. It does not last as long, however, and should be taken twice a day.

Smoking is an addictive action that often becomes deeply connected to certain behavioral patterns. Environments or behaviors that make you want to smoke are called "triggers". A therapist or mental health provider can help you identify and avoid triggers. You can also do this on your own. Some tips to help avoid triggers include:

  • Get rid of all cigarettes from your home, your car, and your office. This way you won't be tempted to reach for them when they are nearby.

  • Identify correlating behaviors with cigarette smoking. Many people smoke when they are at a bar, socializing, or relaxing. If you have to avoid going to bars for awhile as you learn to adjust without cigarettes, do so. You can also come up with a plan for moments when you feel tempted, like chewing gum instead of going out for a smoke when you're at a bar.

  • Do a physical activity when you get the urge to smoke. Restlessness is a common symptom of cigarette withdrawals. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, take yourself on a quick walk or jog. Exercise encourages the production of dopamine in the brain, which can reduce the urge to smoke.

Quitting smoking is hard. You don't have to do it alone. There are thousands of support groups across the country like the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking which sponsors groups across the country.

You can also speak one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional to discuss your triggers and treatment options. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective means of quitting smoking. Sesame offers in-person and online mental health consults. These appointments connect you directly with mental health providers who can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions and challenges--like quitting smoking.

Looking for more help? Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for free counseling and support.

Sesame FAQs

Frequently asked questions about how to stop smoking with Sesame

Sesame is a health care marketplace connecting patients to hundreds of licensed health care providers across the country. If you've got a cigarette habit that you want to kick, we've got you covered. With primary care and mental health care appointments available, you can get comprehensive treatment options to help you with every step of your journey.

Primary care providers can prescribe medication like varenicline and bupropion to reduce your urges and cravings to smoke, while offering a quit plan to help you stay on track.

In addition, mental health care providers on Sesame can offer therapeutic solutions to the challenges of living a cigarette-free life.

You don't have to do this on your own. With a wide range of health care services available, Sesame is here to help you on your way. Book an online appointment today to get started.

Yes! Telehealth marketplaces like Sesame make it easier than ever to book an online therapy session. Sesame offers a range of mental health care services, including online therapist appointments, that can meet with you over video conferencing platforms to discuss symptoms of mental illness, mental health concerns, treatment options, and more.

To book an appointment, search “Online Therapy” or “Video Therapy” using Sesame’s search bar. Browse the list of available providers, and book an appointment at your convenience. You’ll receive an email confirmation with a link to your video appointment.

Online therapy is a convenient, discreet, and affordable way to get the mental health care that you need from the comfort of your own home. Book an online therapy appointment today - no health insurance needed.

During a mental health consult, a primary care provider can help start the conversation about mental health care and maintain prescribing and medication management for those who are in stable condition and do not need the expertise of a psychiatry specialist. It's ideal for individuals seeking basic mental health guidance within a primary care context.

Mental health care starts with reaching out for help. On Sesame, you can connect with mental health specialists online to get the quality care you need right away.

Telepsychiatry (online psychiatry care) appointments are a convenient option for those seeking mental health care, without requiring a trip to a clinic. This form of telemedicine can help those seeking to fit mental health services into a busy schedule, people who either cannot - or do not want to - commute to a psychiatrist's office, or those who just want an informal chat about mental health concerns.

Most video mental health appointments will start with an initial consultation about your mental health history, symptoms you may be experiencing, medication you are currently taking, and your history with psychiatric care. After this, your mental health provider can recommend the best treatment plan for you. This may include follow-up appointments, a referral to a specialist, or a prescription for medication.

Because online psychiatrist appointments on Sesame use a video conferencing platform (like Zoom or Facetime), it is recommended that you have a stable internet connection and a private space to conduct the appointment. Even though it is taking place on a video call, you will be meeting with a mental health care provider in real-time. For your privacy, a quiet and secluded space in your home is the best place to have this video consultation.

It is generally recommended for all psychiatry consultations to jot down a few questions or concerns you may have prior to your appointment. Mental health care providers on Sesame are certified psychiatrists and therapists with the extensive experience needed to help walk you through the consultation, but it is still encouraged to come up with some questions or thoughts of your own to get the most out of your appointment.

If any other preparation is needed, your provider will reach out to discuss these specifics with you.

Primary care providers can play a crucial part in the process toward quitting smoking. A primary care provider will work with you to coordinate a treatment plan so that you have the support you need as you take on this life-changing challenge.

After discussing your goals with you, a primary care provider can direct you toward OTC nicotine replacement products like gum or skin patches to help reduce your craving. They can also offer strategies to avoid triggers and urges.

If needed, providers on Sesame can also write prescriptions for smoking cessation medication like varenicline and bupropion. These drugs reduce craving and urge symptoms that are common while quitting smoking. Note that all prescriptions are at your provider's discretion. A primary care appointment does not guarantee a prescription.

Sesame makes it easier than ever to get a prescription or refill a prescription from the comfort of your own home! To discuss a new prescription or refill, book a video visit with a doctor on Sesame. Physicians on Sesame can prescribe drugs that help treat infections, allergies, high blood pressure, and more.

Note that doctors on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances

Plus, because Sesame works to set prices directly with doctors, you can find visits with doctors at rates up to 60% less than what you’ll find through insurance networks.

Book a video visit on Sesamecare.com based on the health care you need, and pick up a new prescription or existing prescription refill at a pharmacy of your choice. If you don’t want to go pick up a prescription in-person, many pharmacies offer a prescription mail service for home delivery. Your medication will be shipped directly to you. Browse services on Sesame, set up an appointment with a real doctor at your convenience, and get the care you need. It’s simple, convenient, and affordable. Book a visit today!

Booking an appointment with a doctor or nurse online is typically the fastest way to get a prescription! Sesame offers same-day online doctor prescription and prescription refill appointments with board-certified healthcare professionals. If deemed clinically necessary, Sesame providers can provide prescriptions and prescription refills for most non-controlled substances. They can also provide you with a doctor’s note if necessary.

Most online prescription and prescription refill appointments take around 15 minutes, and providers are able to send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice right after your appointment.

Sesame is able to prescribe a wide range of common medications for conditions like infections, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, high cholesterol, and more. However, we are unable to prescribe controlled substances and medications that are at risk for abuse.

If you are looking for medication for a mental health condition, are in stable condition, and do not need psychiatric care, book an online mental health medication visit on Sesame to discuss treatment options with a licensed health care provider.

If you have been referred to a psychiatrist or are in need of psychiatric care, book an online psychiatrist appointment to talk about your concerns and the best treatment plan for you.

Please note that prescriptions are always at the discretion of your provider. Provider appointments are designed to evaluate your condition and craft a treatment plan that works for you. If your appointment does not result in a prescription, your appointment is non-refundable.

Prescriptions and prescription refills on Sesame are exclusively cash-pay. We do not accept insurance for the provider appointment or the medication. If a clinician sends your prescription to your local pharmacy, you can pick it up and pay with a method of your choice, including your FSA or HSA card, prescription card, cash, credit, and more.

Most insurance plans do not require prior authorization for medication coverage. When you go to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription, the pharmacist can use the insurance information they have on file, or you can give them your insurance information for coverage.

Health insurance plans publish a formulary for the drugs covered by the plan and the corresponding drug and copay prices. Check with your insurance provider to find out what drugs require authorization and the specific coverage information regarding the medication you’ve been prescribed.

For patients who book a weight management service through Sesame’s online weight loss management program, providers can assist with prior insurance authorization requests for your medication. For more information, visit our video weight loss program page.

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