Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens when I call Quitline Iowa for the first time?

A live, trained quit coach will answer and help you put together a quit plan. Before that happens, they will assess your tobacco habits and ask for some basic information (name, address, etc.). The entire call should take around 20 minutes.

Services are free to all Iowans.

How many sessions for the full program?

You can enroll for up to 8 free sessions every year. After the first call, each coaching session should last 10-15 minutes. We know how hard quitting is, so we recommend you stick with the coaching through all 8 sessions.

Can a telephone quitline really double my chances of quitting?

Yes. Every state now has a quitline and thousands of people call them every year. Quitting without a plan ('cold turkey') works less than 5% of the time. Participating in telephone coaching can significantly increase the chance that you quit for good this time.

What about medications like Chantix®, Zyban®, and the nicotine patch?

There are a number of federally approved drugs available that can improve your chances of quitting. The chances of quitting improve even higher when you combine one of these with coaching.

What is the best way to quit?

Quite frankly, it depends. There is no magic bullet to stop smoking or chewing. We recommend using an approved medication that works best for you along with cessation coaching. Regardless of how you do it, it might take a few tries until you finally succeed.

What if I'm pregnant?

Quitline Iowa coaches are specially trained on the specific needs of pregnant women. Also, talk to your doctor before taking any medications, including nicotine gum or patches.

What are the hours, languages offered, etc?

The Quitline offers both English and Spanish-speaking coaches. Services are available in an additional 150 languages through a translation service. Services are also provided for the hearing impaired (TDD).

Hours of Operation:

Downloadable Brochure: