Support from friends and family
The people close to you – friends, family, coworkers – can make a big difference. Their encouragement can lift you up when cravings hit, when you’re tired or when doubt creeps in.
How friends and family can help:
- Offer encouragement when things get tough.
- Respect your decision to quit, even if they still use tobacco or vape.
- Join you in smoke-, vape- or tobacco-free activities.
- Celebrate your big and small wins.
- Listen without judgment if you slip or restart.
How to get them involved:
- Be clear about what helps – and what does not.
- Ask them not to smoke, vape or use tobacco around you, especially early on.
- Share your quit plan so they know what you’re working toward.
- Speak up gently if something they say or do isn’t helpful.
- Say thank you; it helps them feel part of your journey.
Quitpath Quit Coaches
Quitpath coaches are trained professionals who get what quitting really looks like – messy moments and all. They’ll help you build a plan that works for your life and cheer you on at every step.
How a coach can help:
- Build a personalized quit plan.
- Suggest quit aids like patches, gum or medications.
- Help you manage cravings and withdrawal.
- Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
- Support you if you slip – and help you get back on track.
How to connect:
- Call 1-866-221-8393 to speak to a coach.
- Schedule regular check-ins, especially at the start.
- Be honest. This is a judgment-free zone.
- Reach out when cravings hit.
- Ask anything. There are no silly questions.
You can connect with a Quitpath coach as often as you need. The only limit is on free quit aids (24 weeks per year).
Community support
Community resources can give you another layer of support, especially if you want to quit in a way that honours your culture, values or local connections.
How your community can help:
Offer group support with people on the same journey.
- Share culturally grounded ways to quit.
- Connect you with Quitpath or local health providers.
- Help you access free quit aids through programs like
- Quitpath
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
- Income Support
- Pharmacare for Seniors
- Create smoke, vape and tobacco-free spaces.
How to get them involved:
- Ask your quit coach about local options.
- Check with your local health centre.
- Explore culturally meaningful resources, like Healing From Commercial Tobacco Use.
- Join local activities. A craft circle, walking club or cultural program can offer positive distraction and connection.
Online Support
Sometimes cravings or tough moments hit when no one’s around, like at 3 am or during a quiet evening at home. Online tools can step in anytime. They help you track your progress, stay motivated and feel less alone.
How online support can help:
- Connect you with others who get it.
- Provide tools and info 24/7, whenever you need them.
- Track your milestones and celebrate wins along the way.
- Offer healthy distractions to ride out cravings.
- Boost your motivation with real stories and encouragement.
Where to find it:
- Smokers’ Helpline – Call 1-877-513-5333 or chat at smokershelpline.ca.
- Canadian Cancer Society’s tools at cancer.ca.
- Join quit smoking or vaping forums or social media groups
- Use quit apps to track progress or get pep talk.
- Watch success stories from people who’ve quit.
- Bookmark go-to resources for when cravings hit hard.
Smokers' Helpline – from the Canadian Cancer Society – offers:
- Free and private help with no judgment.
- Quit plans made just for you, with follow-up support.
- Help in English, French and over 200 other languages, including Southern Tutchone.