The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline announced today, that they are now offering a free iPhone app that will help people kick their smoking habit. Call It Quits combines all of the recommended tools that help you quit for good: peer support, instant access to a quit coach, and progressive goal-setting. The app is also available through the ASHLine Facebook page.
“This new app is ideal for the fast-paced world we live in and is an aid to any ‘quit smoking’ attempt,” said Stephen Michael, director of the ASHLine. “It is another way to help smokers stop smoking and a direct line to our quit coaches. It has many benefits like goal tracking and is the only app that provides the instant ‘call a coach’ feature, which is really important because the average smoker has multiple cravings a day lasting between 30 to 90 seconds.”
Doctors believe that a strong support base is key to battling any addiction. Call It Quits provides this in the form of a profile function where users upload their picture and create a community of friends who are also quitting. Users have the convenience of texting or emailing their family, friends or quit coach instantly when they need support. The app also awards stars and badges on the users Facebook page so friends can celebrate milestones.
“Providing support goes a long way in helping smokers quit. Whether they’re making a first attempt to quit, have stopped smoking for a month or have been quit for years and now relapsed, it is a constant battle to quit and stay quit,” said Wayne Tormala, Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau Chief for Tobacco and Chronic Disease. “The Call It Quits app will go where smokers go; ready to help whenever they need it.”
The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline offers free telephone quit coaching at 1-800-55-66-222 and free online quit coaching services at ASHLine.org, and information about all FDA-approved over-the-counter and prescription medications, which are all equally important components for an effective cessation program.
Call It Quits joins the ranks of numerous smoke cessation Apps on the market including, Quitter, LIVESTRONG MyQuit Coach, and Smoke Out. Technology is being used more and more to fight nicotine addiction. Earlier in the year The National Cancer Institute, with the help of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, launched a cessation program using text messaging to get teens to kick the habit.