The telephone support service is FREE for all Canadian residents. It is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call our toll-free number at 1-866-368-7848 to speak with trained counsellors who provide support and encouragement without judgement. They can help you manage cravings, stay motivated and take the next step toward quitting nicotine. A translation service is also available when necessary.
Phone
Sometimes it helps to talk it out. Whether you have a one-off question or are looking to be part of NUQuits’s phone program, our experts are here to support you and answer your questions. The service is confidential and toll-free and is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 1-866-368-7848.
How do I register?
There are two ways to register:
- Register online
If you already have an NUQuits website account you can register for the helpline through your profile. If you do not have an account, you can sign up for an account. Once your NUQuits account is activated, you can use My Dashboard to register for the helpline. A professional representative will call you at a time that fits with your schedule to provide support.
By registering online, you'll also gain access to exclusive quit tools and resources available only to NUQuits Online members.
- Register by phone
Call 1-866-366-3667 for quit support. A Quit Counsellor will collect a brief smoking history and help you develop a personalized plan. Once enrolled, you will receive a series of arranged call backs to a Quit Counsellor to support your quit.
Who should call the helpline?
Quit Counsellors will help many different people for a whole variety of reasons, including:
- Smokers who are not sure they are ready to quit.
- Smokers who are ready to quit within the next 30 days.
- People who are currently quit but require extra support.
- Anxious callers who are on the verge of a slip.
- People who want information on how to help friends or family quit.
- Health Care Professionals seeking information on helping others quit.
What to expect of your Quit Counsellor?
If you are ready to set a quit date, you will speak to a Quit Counsellor during a series of arranged calls which will provide you with information and support on quitting smoking. Any information you discuss is completely confidential. Here is what to expect on callbacks:
Call #1: On your first scheduled call, your Counsellor will assess your readiness to quit, and if you are ready to quit they will help you pick a quit date, and help establish a quit plan that includes tips and tools to get you ready. You will also discuss whether quit smoking medications are a possibility. Your Counsellor will schedule the second call for a time that works with your schedule.
Call #2: Your Counsellor 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. They will also check in to see how you’re feeling about your quit date, reinforce your decision to quit on your chosen date and schedule your third call.
Call #3: Quit Day! Your Counsellor will call you on your scheduled quit date to see how you are doing and how the quitting medications are working (if you are using them). They will review quitting tips and ways to deal with tough situations, answer any questions you have, and arrange for the fourth call.
Call #4: Your Counsellor will call you a couple of days after your quit date to check on your progress, review the challenges, and reinforce your reasons for quitting. Your Counsellor will help you with new coping strategies, help you get back on track if you’ve had a slip, and schedule your fifth call.
Call #5: Your Counsellor will make a call at two weeks after your quit date to see how you are doing, provide support and help you plan for your tobacco-free future.
Calls will also be scheduled for you at 1,3,6 months and at one year after your quit date. Your Counsellor will invite you to call back at any time if you experience any difficulties. Don't feel bad if you have a slip - quitting is a process, and our Counsellors will help you get back on track.