Quit Smoking Hotlines: Free Help You Can Call or Text Today (U.S.)Quit Smoking Hotlines Overview – Quitlines at Fingertips

If you’re trying to quit smoking (or vaping nicotine) and want real-time support, quitlines are one of the fastest ways to get help. You can call, text, or chat with trained coaches who can help you build a quit plan, manage cravings, and stay on track—often at no cost.

Below are the most trusted U.S. quit-smoking hotlines, plus text and online options.

But what if you don’t have anyone to talk to?

The Main U.S. Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Call: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) CDC+1

This is the national quitline “router” number that connects you to your state quitline for free coaching and local resources. UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center

What you can get when you call

  • One-on-one quit coaching (often multiple sessions)
  • Help setting a quit date and building a personalized plan
  • Strategies for cravings, triggers, stress, and withdrawal
  • Referrals to local support and quit resources
  • In some states, access to free or discounted nicotine replacement therapy (patches/gum/lozenges)

(Exact services vary by state, but coaching is the core benefit.) CDC+1


Quitline Support in Spanish and Other Languages

Spanish

1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) CDC+1

Asian languages (U.S.)

  • Mandarin & Cantonese: 1-800-838-8917 CDC+1
  • Korean: 1-800-556-5564 CDC+1
  • Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8440 CDC+1

Veterans: A Dedicated Quitline

If you’re enrolled in VA healthcare:

1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) Smokefree Veterans

Veteran-focused coaching can help with routines, triggers, and stress that can make nicotine harder to quit.


Text Support: SmokefreeTXT

Prefer texting instead of calling?

Text QUIT to 47848 to enroll in SmokefreeTXT (U.S. adults). Smokefree

On-demand keyword support (help in the moment)

You can also text keywords to 47848 such as:

This can be helpful when cravings spike or you’re dealing with withdrawal symptoms.


What to Expect When You Call a Quitline

A quitline call is usually simple and pressure-free. Most calls include:

  1. A few quick questions (your smoking/vaping pattern, triggers, prior quit attempts)
  2. A quit plan you can actually follow (timing, coping tools, high-risk situations)
  3. Craving strategies (urge surfing, delays, substitutions, environment changes)
  4. Support options (follow-up calls, text programs, local resources)

If you’re nervous: it’s okay to start with, “I’m not sure I can quit, but I want help.” Coaches talk to people at every stage.


If You’re in Crisis or Feeling Unsafe

If you are thinking about harming yourself or feel in immediate danger:

  • Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.)
  • If it’s an emergency, call 911

Nicotine withdrawal can intensify anxiety and irritability—crisis support is still the right move if you feel unsafe.


Help for Substance Use (Beyond Nicotine)

If you want help finding treatment for alcohol or other drugs (confidential, free info):

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA


Quick “Call Prep” Checklist (So You Get More Out of the Call)

Before you dial, it helps to jot down:

  • Your typical first cigarette/vape time
  • Top 3 triggers (stress, driving, coffee, after meals, etc.)
  • What you’ve tried before (cold turkey, nicotine gum, patches)
  • One reason you want to quit (health, family, money, breathing, energy)

Even 30 seconds of prep can make the call feel more focused.


Related Guides on QuitSmokingCommunity.org

(Use these as internal links on the page)

  • Nicotine Withdrawal Timeline & Symptoms: /nicotine-withdrawal-timeline-symptoms/
  • Cold Turkey Quitting: /cold-turkey/
  • Smoking Cessation Support (methods & planning): (link to your smoking-cessation page/post if you have one)

FAQ

Is 1-800-QUIT-NOW free?

In most cases, yes—quitline counseling is free, and many states also provide extra quit resources. CDC+1

Can I call even if I’m not ready to quit today?

Yes. Quitlines can help you build a plan, reduce smoking, or set a future quit date.

Do quitlines help with vaping too?

Many state quitlines provide support for quitting nicotine in general, including vaping. Ask directly when you call.

What if I can’t talk on the phone?

Use SmokefreeTXT: text QUIT to 47848. Smokefreeit smoking hotlines mentioned above have received good review from users/ subscribers of the program. Quitting smoking is not difficult anymore.