Smoking Cessation Program

One of the main ingredients in a cigarette is tobacco – a plant that is filled with nicotine. Nicotine is an extremely addictive chemical, and when used regularly, it can be challenging to stop the body’s craving for more. Once you try quitting, your body will experience withdrawal symptoms which makes it particularly challenging to break the habit for good. 

STAT: Fewer than one in three adults who smoke use cessation counseling or approved medications when trying to quit.

The need to smoke regularly is a good indication you are addicted to tobacco:

• Do you enjoy a cigarette before bed? Or when you wake up?
• Do you take quick smoke breaks at work?
• Do you like having a cigarette after a meal? Or with a cup of coffee? 

Did you know that the typical smoker averages a life span eight years shorter than a non-smoker?

Some of the long-term effects of smoking include:

• Digestive problems.
• Osteoporosis.
• A weak immune system.
• Cancer.
• Pregnancy complications.
• Low fertility.
• Faster ageing.

After quitting smoking…

• In 20 minutes: your blood pressure lowers.
• In 8 hours: your carbon monoxide level lowers.
• In 24 hours: your risk of a heart attack is reduced.
• In 2 weeks to 3 months: the airways in your lungs relax and your breathing improves.
• In 1 to 9 months: your lung function improves.
• In 1 year: your risk of heart disease drops by half.
• In 5 years: your risk of having a stroke lowers.
• In 10 years: your risk of lung cancer lowers.
• In 15 years: your risk of heart disease lowers.

The Cessation Program is a safe and effective way to stop smoking. Our medical experts will advise on which therapy is best for you. Therapy options include:

• Non-prescription Nicotine Replacement Therapy: nicotine patches, gum, inhalers and lozenges.
• Prescription Drug Therapy: for this type of treatment you would need to consult with a doctor.

Benefits of participating in a smoking cessation program:

• Reduces the risk of premature death, improves health, and enhances quality of life. 
• Reduces the risk for many adverse health effects, including poor reproductive health outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 12 types of cancer.
• Benefits people already diagnosed with coronary heart disease or COPD.
• Benefits the health of pregnant women and that of their fetuses and babies.
• Reduces the financial burden that smoking places on people who smoke, healthcare systems, and society.

Clinic visits with the doctor are fully paid for if you have a valid OHIP card.

In general, costs of medications may be covered under government plans such as Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) or Non-Insured Health Benefits (NHIB), a private medical plan, or Trillium Drug Plan (TDP). Your pharmacist may try to assist you if you are having difficulty with payment.

Set up an intake appointment by contacting us by telephone or on-line as shown below. You can also drop by a RTR clinic and present your OHIP card. An initial appointment will be scheduled as soon as possible.

To become a patient you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have valid photo identification,including a valid OHIP number
• Opioid use disorder evidence must be present as per DSM-V criteria
• Agree to follow program policies & procedures
• Give full consent prior to starting medication assisted treatment (to be agreed upon and signed by the patient)