A New Free Online Resource Will Help Montana Teens Quit Tobacco Products
On Monday, state public health officials announced a free online resource that offers coaching and support to young Montanans who want to stop using tobacco products. My Life, My Quit is a new resource that is being offered through the Montana Tobacco Quit Line. Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program Manager Nicole Aune explains.
“It is designed to really help Montana teens and youth quit using all forms of tobacco products, but it was really specifically designed to help them quit e-cigarettes,” Aune said. “It is the most commonly used tobacco product here in our state. There really hasn’t been a whole lot of resources available for them. This is a new tool that can help youth quit these highly addictive e-cigarettes.”
According to Aune, My Life, My Quit is different than anything they have done in the past.
“It involves texting and online chat,” Aune said. “This is going to allow youth to text into the program and engage with a coach over live text messaging or through an online chat, if they are at a computer. That is brand new and different from any other service that is offered nationwide, that we are aware of.”
There is a common misconception out there that electronic cigarettes are safe to use. Aune says that is not the case.
“Well we know for sure for youth and pregnant women that e-cigarettes, like JUUL, are definitely not safe because they contain nicotine,” Aune said. “Nicotine harms brain development and it is highly addictive. We want to make sure there are resources available to help any youth who is addicted to e-cigarettes get off of them quickly.”
Almost half of high school students have tried e-cigarettes and more than 22% of high school students currently use e-cigarettes.
My Life, My Quit provides Montanans under the age of 18 with access to free, tailored resources for quitting, which include:
- Youth coaches trained on the best ways to build relationships with the target audience.
- Five coaching sessions by phone, live texting or chat with a coach who will listen and help teens navigate social situations while finding healthy ways to cope with stress.
- 100% confidential enrollment and coaching. No one will know a youth utilizes My Life, My Quit without their permission.
- A dedicated toll-free number (1-855-891-9989) for real-time coaching.
- Website (mylifemyquit.com) with online enrollment, chat with a live coach, information about vaping and tobacco, and activities to support quitting.
- Additional text messages for support to quit vaping, smoking, or chewing tobacco.
- Promotional and educational materials designed for youth with messages from their peers about quitting tobacco and vaping, and how to ask for support
- A water-marked certificate of completion of the program.
- For more information about this resource, contact the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program at 406-444-7408.
Montana youth can text or call 1-855-891-9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com to enroll.