Oklahomans who want to kick their nicotine habits can access a variety of resources. One of those resources is Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, a state grantmaking trust devoted to preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which happen to be Oklahoma’s leading causes of death and are linked to tobacco use.
Tobacco – which contains the chemical nicotine – is a plant grown for its leaves, which are smoked, chewed or sniffed. Nicotine is an addictive substance, on par with the likes of alcohol, cocaine and morphine.
In Oklahoma, just under half a million people, or 15.8% of adults, smoke. In 2022, 11% of Oklahoma adults used e-cigarettes, and 5.7% used smokeless tobacco. According to TSET, there is no safe form of tobacco use, and tobacco kills more people than alcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined. 7,500 Oklahoma adults die annually from their own smoking habits, and high school e-cigarette use is at 21.8%.
In short, it’s clear that nicotine addition is a serious problem globally and right here in Oklahoma. TSET can help.
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH) director Christin Kirchenbauer says barring medical issues, those registering with OTH are “eligible for four weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges,” plus coach calls and live online groups sessions, among other options. Slip-ups happen, so Oklahomans can sign up for the Helpline twice annually at okhelpline.com or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Thousands of teens have joined My Life, My Quit, which offers free, non-judgmental support for those struggling with nicotine addiction.
“Nearly all nicotine comes from tobacco,” the website reads, “and it’s found in all tobacco products, including vape pods.” An online platform, the program offers options to create your plan to quit, track your progress, achieve your goals and chat with a coach. Connect at mylifemyquit.com or call (855) 891-9989.
“Oklahoma has made impressive strides in reducing tobacco use, but more needs to be done,” says TSET executive director Julie Bisbee. “Preventing young people from starting tobacco or nicotine is always the first, most effective step in reducing rates of smoking and vaping.”
Quitting Tobacco: What to Know
When stopping the habit, Kirchenbauer says, “nicotine withdrawals typically peak one to three days after quitting and are associated with tobacco cravings, insomnia, increased appetite and general frustration. The nicotine replacement therapy – gum, patches or lozenges – provided by the Helpline helps reduce these negative impacts associated with withdrawal while also providing a ‘step-down’ process that creates a runway to a nicotine-free life. Coaches help provide tips on how to break habits that are associated with tobacco use, like drinking coffee or driving home from work.”
Kirchenbauer says quitting tobacco use yields big benefits.
“Twenty minutes after quitting, their heart rate will decrease. One day after quitting, carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop to normal. Within three months of quitting, they should experience less coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. One year after quitting, their risk of heart disease will be cut in half.”
Kirchenbauer continues: “Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a person can make for their health. It lowers the Type 2 diabetes risk, normalizes heart rates and improves the function of lungs, heart and blood vessels. It also protects family, friends and coworkers from secondhand smoke, which can have similar negative health effects.”
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers free resources to residents hoping to stop smoking or consuming tobacco in any form.
