Every year, more than 4,000 Albertans die because of tobacco use, while tens of
thousands more Albertans have serious tobacco-related illnesses that greatly affect
their quality of life.

Commercial tobacco use (such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco)
is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and premature death in Alberta,
and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, oral cancers, chronic lung disease,
diabetes and other illnesses. Quitting tobacco is one of the best ways to improve health
and well-being. It may take several attempts to quit, so it’s important to not give up.

AHS has programs and services to help Albertans quit:

• The AlbertaQuits Helpline,1-866-710-QUIT (7848) provides one-to-one telephone
counselling.
• Try a free text message service that gives tips and motivational messaging to
help people quit. The text service includes support for quitting vaping and a live
chat feature with quit counsellors. Enroll today by texting ABQUITS to 123456.
• The website albertaquits.ca provides information and tools for people preparing
to quit.
• QuitCore is a group support program that provides people with strategies and
skills they need to quit tobacco, while connecting them with others who are also
trying to quit. This program is offered in person, as well as virtually through
Zoom.
• Use of cessation medications increases your chances of success, and the cost of
the medications may be covered. Check with your provider for coverage
information.

Information and resources are available at health clinics, pharmacies and dental offices
in many communities and AHS locations, including cessation services created for
patients who use tobacco or tobacco-like products.