Through With Chew Week, February 19-25, is an initiative to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco in McClain County and across the state and nation.
In support of the event, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline reminds Oklahomans of the dangers of smokeless tobacco and offers free help to quit.
“Through With Chew Week is a great opportunity for Oklahomans to learn about the negative health effects of smokeless tobacco and encourage them to think about the impact tobacco has on their overall health,” said Ariel Anglin, TSET Healthy Living Program coordinator serving McClain County. “The Helpline is here to help Oklahomans who are trying to quit using smokeless tobacco or who want to support their loved ones through the quitting process.”
Smokeless tobacco is even more habit forming than cigarettes because it contains up to four times as much addictive nicotine, she said. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline encourages users to understand the facts about smokeless tobacco and think about quitting during Through With Chew Week.
The Helpline offers at least a free two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to those who register. Smokeless tobacco users often find the nicotine lozenges particularly helpful in curbing cravings during the quitting process.
Help for Teens to Quit
Oklahoma teens ages 1317 who are struggling to quit smokeless tobacco are encouraged to enroll in My Life, My Quit for free help.
The service is free and confidential. Simply text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit My-LifeMyQuit.com to get started.
