Smoking Cessation
Your smoking cessation action plan
Do you wish to stop smoking? Your pharmacist can provide advice and guide you through this journey. Here’s an action plan that you can follow with your pharmacist
1-Choose a starting point
We all have to start somewhere, so pick a starting date and set achievable goals.
Tell your your friends and family and ask them for support.
2-Meet your pharmacist
Your pharmacist will:- Determine how dependent you are on nicotine
- Help you understand your main smoking habits and identify your triggers
- Ask you about your previous attempts to quit smoking to make sure you don’t fall back into the same bad habits
3-Follow a personalized treatment
If needed, your pharmacist can prescribe a tailored solution, including: Nicotine replacement products used for replacing the nicotine from cigarettes (patches, chewing gum and lozenges)4-Reward yourself
You should reward yourself when you’re progressing.
Many benefits of a smoke-free life can be felt in the long-term, but some benefits are almost instant as well. So keep on going!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got any questions? we’re here to help
You are eligible if:
- You are a resident of Ontario.
- You are 16 years or older.
- You have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card.
Pharmacists offer:
- An initial consultation to assess your smoking habits and readiness to quit.
- A customized quit plan tailored to your lifestyle.
- Ongoing support with follow-up appointments to track your progress and address challenges.
- Advice on nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) or prescription medications, if appropriate.
If you are eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, certain smoking cessation medications (e.g., bupropion, varenicline) and nicotine replacement therapies may be covered. Your pharmacist can help determine what’s covered and guide you in accessing these options.
During the initial 20-30 minute session, your pharmacist will:
- Review your smoking history, triggers, and past quit attempts.
- Set a quit date and create a step-by-step cessation plan.
- Discuss tools like nicotine patches, gum, or medications, and how they can work for you.
Quitting smoking can lead to:
- Improved lung function and heart health.
- Lower risk of chronic diseases like cancer and stroke.
- Increased energy and better sense of taste and smell.
- Cost savings—no more spending on cigarettes!
Yes! In addition to pharmacist support, you can access resources like:
- Ontario’s Smokers’ Helpline (free support by phone, text, or online).
- Government quit-smoking programs like Leave the Pack Behind.
Pharmacists are accessible healthcare professionals who can provide one-on-one support, often with no appointment necessary. They combine clinical expertise with convenience to give you the best tools and strategies to quit smoking for good.