Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Offers Free Support to Those Ready to be ‘Through With Chew’

TSET is encouraging smokeless tobacco users to quit during "Through With Chew" week Feb. 19-25, 2023. (Courtesy Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline)

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Through With Chew week is Feb. 19 through 25.

This is an initiative to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco in Oklahoma and across the nation.

In support of the event, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is reminding Oklahomans of the dangers of smokeless tobacco and is offering free help to quit.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.

“Through With Chew Week is a great opportunity for Oklahomans to learn about the negative health effects of smokeless tobacco and encourage them to think about the impact tobacco has on their overall health,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “The Helpline is here to help Oklahomans who are trying to quit using smokeless tobacco or who want to support their loved ones through the quitting process.”

TSET says smokeless tobacco is even more habit-forming than cigarettes because it contains up to four times as much addictive nicotine.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is encouraging users to understand the facts about smokeless tobacco and think about quitting during Through With Chew week.

This helpline will offer at least a free two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to those who register.

Smokeless tobacco users often find the nicotine lozenges particularly helpful in curbing cravings during the quitting process.

Regardless of how long an individual has dipped, quitting has numerous benefits, according to TSET.

Almost immediately, the user’s breath will smell better, their mouths will begin healing, and the worry of stains on the face and teeth will be no longer.

Quitting also makes individuals healthier overall.

TSET says smokeless tobacco is linked to mouth, throat, and pancreas cancer, along with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Users wanting to quit can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit OKhelpline.com to explore free services and resources available to Oklahomans.

Teens ages 13 to 17 who are struggling with smokeless tobacco use are encouraged to enroll in My Life My Quit for free help.

This is a free and confidential service offered to Oklahoma teens. To get started, text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or enroll at MyLifeMyQuit.com.