St. Albert & Sturgeon Primary Care Network

I Quit: Information for Patients

Are you thinking about quitting smoking? Do you want to quit smoking? Are you having difficulty quitting?

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do and it is hard to do alone! When you quit smoking one of the first things you will notice is that you will have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes, but this is not the only benefit:

  • Your chance of having a heart attack, stroke or developing some types of cancer will go down
  • If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby
  • The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier
  • Food will taste better and your clothes won't smell of smoke!

Listed below are some programs that can help you as you quit smoking.

  1. Nicotine Anonymous

    This is a 12 step support group for people who are trying to live their lives free of nicotine. Meetings are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

    Ebenezer United Church Hall
    16302 106 Avenue
    Edmonton, Alberta T5P 0W9

    Phone 1: Gwyn A. (780) 443-3020
    Phone 2: Joan T. (780) 423-1971



  2. Tom Baker Cancer Centre's (TBCC) Department of Psychosocial Resources

    The TBCC Smoking Cessation Program (telehealth course) consists of five weekly group sessions designed to help participants quit smoking, and three follow-up sessions to help people adjust to life as a non-smoker. Topics include smoking cessation techniques, visit from program graduates, stress management, nutrition & weight control. The program is led by two clinical psychologists who can show you how to identify and enjoy the benefits of quitting, improved health, increased stamina, self-esteem, material gains and ultimately, freedom. Call St. Albert & Sturgeon PCN for more information @ 419-2214 ext. 225

  3. Links to Tobacco, Addiction to Tobacco and Quitting Smoking

    http://www.cancerboard.ab.ca/
    http://tobacco.aadac.com/

    • Get the Quick Facts
    • Options for quitting include “cold turkey”, group support, individual counselling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and Self Help.

  4. Face to Face CH Tobacco Reduction Clinic

    A group of health care providers with experience & training in tobacco reduction. Link to Capital Health Tobacco Reduction Service is: Marg Budd (Tobacco Reduction Consultant for CH Community Care) @ 413-7643. Services offered include individual treatment plans, medication assessment and management, and information about pre - smoking cessation.

    Find out what conditions you are at risk for developing... Location: NE Health Centre

    For more information about quitting smoking or to make an appointment call (780) 472-5154

  5. AADAC Smokers Helpline

    You want to quit. We want to help.

    1-866-33AADAC
    1-866-332-2322
    http://www.aadac.com/186_540.asp

    AADAC's Smokers' Help Line is a free, non-judgmental, confidential telephone service for smokers. Calls are answered by a trained counsellor who can help you develop an individual quit plan, offer information, or refer you to services available in your community. The Smokers' Help Line operates from 8 am to 8 pm. Outside of these hours; you will receive general support from AADAC Help Line staff. You can also arrange to have a tobacco counsellor call you back. Counsellors offer information about:

    • how to quit
    • benefits of quitting
    • withdrawal symptoms
    • seeking support
    • managing stress
    • how to deal with relapses

    Help Line hours are 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. http://www.aadac.com. Cindy Connell is the Nurse Leader and Supervisor of AADAC Helpline and AADAC Smoker's Helpline Capital Health. If you have any additional questions or concerns she can be reached at:

    tel: (780) 401-2607
    fax: (780) 413-7679
    email: Cindy.Connell (at) capitalhealth.ca
    pager: (780) 445-7146

  6. QuitNet

    QuitNet is a fun, web-based interactive program that helps you to quit smoking when you need it!

    • Free for Albertans.
    • Learn from the science-based smoking cessation resources.
    • Get tips and advice from expert counsellors.
    • Find out the benefits for QuitNet members.
    • Get support from the QuitNet community.
    • Create your own quit smoking plan.

    QuitNet is dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and support for people trying to give up smoking, however the site is not meant to replace the advice of a physician. You should not rely on any information on these pages, or information generated for you by this site, to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation. Other information available includes:

    • Wanting to Quit?
    • How to Quit
    • Concerns About Quitting
    • Quitting Help
    • What to Expect
    • Helping Others Quit
    • Benefits of Quitting
    • Staying Smoke - Free

Primary health care is the first point of contact with the health care system, where people receive care from family physicians, and from nurses, pharmacists, therapists and others for most of their everyday health care needs.