In effort to ensure a cleaner, healthier campus, the Quad and certain adjacent areas will be smoke-free starting January 14.
The Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking inside all university buildings and within 15 feet of entrances. Smokeless tobacco use is also prohibited in areas where student activities or learning takes place. To view the University’s entire Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy, visit Policy.IllinoisState.edu.
If a tobacco free 2013 is on your radar, below are resources to help support your efforts.
Counseling available
Counseling services are available to provide support for students, faculty, and staff who are considering a tobacco-free lifestyle. Call Student Counseling Services at (309) 438-3655 or visit Counseling.IllinoisState.edu. Faculty and staff counseling resources are available through the Employee Assistance Program by calling (866) 659-3848.
Pharmacy options
Over-the-counter cessation products are available to students, faculty, and staff for purchase at the Student Health Services Pharmacy. Visit the pharmacy in 293 Student Services Building or online at HealthServices.IllinoisState.edu/Pharmacy. Employees should check with the insurance providers regarding any coverage that extends to tobacco-cessation aids.
Quit kits
Quit kits and additional resources are available in the main Health Promotion and Wellness office in 187 McCormick Hall as well as at the G Spot Wellness Gazebo. Additional information is available at Wellness.IllinoisState.edu.
Illinois Tobacco Quitline
The Illinois Tobacco Quitline offers continued support for Illinois residents looking to quit using tobacco. Resources include counseling by trained tobacco-cessation professionals and a customized cessation program. Call (866) QUIT-YES or visit quityes.org.
10 ways to be a quitter
- Know why you want to quit. People’s motivations to quit using tobacco vary greatly. Find a reason to quit that is more important to you than the urge to use tobacco.
- Think twice before going cold turkey. It might be tempting to throw out all of your cigarettes and declare yourself smoke-free, but having a plan and resources to help you through cravings greatly increases your odds of success.
- Find the best plan for you. Talk with your health care provider, pharmacist, or trained tobacco-cessation specialist about what nicotine replacement options might be best for you.
- Realize you are not alone. Tell your friends, family, and co-workers about your plans to quit so that they can support you in your efforts. Do not hesitate to reach out to a counselor to help you manage stress and cravings.
- Manage stress. For many, nicotine is seen as a way to relax even though it is actually a stimulant. Find a productive way to relieve stress such as t’ai chi, physical activity, joining a student group, reading, or whatever activities you enjoy.
- Avoid triggers. Using tobacco is often tied to other behaviors, such as driving or drinking alcohol. As much as possible, avoid doing things that are closely associated with using tobacco. If it is an activity you cannot avoid, such as driving, be prepared with behavioral replacements such as chewing gum.
- Clean house. Once you have made the decision to stop using tobacco and have a quit plan in place, remove all reminders of tobacco from your living areas. Cleaning out your car and your home will get rid of objects that may serve as triggers for a craving.
- Get moving. Physical activity can help reduce nicotine cravings as well as help ease some withdrawal symptoms. When the urge strikes, go for a walk or a jog to help get your mind off of the craving.
- Choose a reward. For some, having a reward at the end of the tunnel is added incentive needed to get through the hard cravings. Save the money you would normally use on tobacco and buy yourself something once you are tobacco free.
- Try and try again. It is OK if you slip up. Learn from the experience and plan on how to not make the same mistake next time. Don’t give up!
