Smoking Cessation

It’s never too late to quit

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Tobacco use is also responsible for 90% of lung cancer diagnoses. It is never too late to quit smoking. Research shows that even people who have smoked for decades will see immediate improvements in how they feel and in their overall health after quitting.

Changes within 24 hours of quitting include:

• Heart rate returns to normal
• Carbon monoxide levels decline, increasing the blood's ability to carry oxygen
• Risk of heart attack decreases

Over time, your lung function will improve. With improved lung function, you will likely experience less coughing and shortness of breath. Over time, your risk of heart disease and stroke also decreases. You will likely feel healthier, save money and protect others from exposure to secondhand smoke.

We understand that quitting tobacco will be one of the hardest things you ever do. When you are ready to stop or reduce your smoking or tobacco use, our smoking cessation experts are here to help you reach your goal. Call us at 800.922.0000 and ask for an appointment with the Smoking Cessation Program.

What to expect

The Nebraska Medicine Smoking Cessation Program is open to people who smoke cigarettes, cigars, chew tobacco or vape nicotine substances. We address the psychological and physical addiction to smoking. This specialized approach has proven to double, and sometimes triple, the rates at which people quit smoking.

Treatment options could include:

• Medication
• One-on-one counseling
• Regular follow-up visits in person, via telehealth or by phone

Our smoking cessation experts will teach you how to cope with cravings and avoid things that trigger your desire to light a cigarette, chew tobacco or vape nicotine. In addition to providing mental techniques, Nebraska Medicine providers will prescribe FDA-approved medications to ease cravings and other withdrawal symptoms when appropriate.

Lung cancer screening for high-risk patients

We offer low-dose CT screening for people with a higher risk of developing lung cancer. This includes current and former smokers. Learn more about our Lung Cancer Screening Program.