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Quit Vaping

"Safer" does not mean "safe."

Using nicotine in any form is risky. E-cigarettes/vapes contain heavy metals and dangerous chemicals that are inhaled and exhaled as toxic aerosol. Let us help you clear the air and break the vaping addiction.

E-cigarettes/vapes are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as aids to quit smoking.

Harming You

Angel Oak

Vaping Harms Your Body and Mind

Using e-cigarettes/vapes can cause nicotine addiction and lung damage. It also causes mood swings and makes it harder to focus. Vaping can even make feelings of depression and anxiety worse. If you've been feeling fidgety, stressed, or just not like yourself, it could be your vape. Connect with one of our coaches and get the support you need to quit vaping.

Harming the Environment

Vaping Harms the Environment

E-cigarettes/vapes and nicotine pods are not biodegradable. Vape waste is toxic. Used vape products litter green spaces and streets, they also poison fish and wildlife. Do the planet a favor and try quitting.

Who Makes It?

Who Makes Your Vape?

There are a lot of e-cigarettes/vapes on the market that have not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which means their ingredients and country of origin remain a mystery to consumers. Unsafe products with unsafe ingredients have flooded American vape markets. Why take a chance? Is it really worth it?

Time to Quit

Time to Quit

You know you need to quit, but it won't be easy. Expert support from our trained coaches can double your chances of quitting successfully. Check out our full range of services and find the support that is right for you.

Age-Appropriate Options

SC Tobacco Quitline (ages 13 and older) — 24/7 support, access to trained coaches, and quit support for ALL nicotine products.

Live Vape-Free Youth (ages 13-17) — 24/7 text support program that includes a tailored quit plan, videos, interactive articles, quizzes, podcasts, and opportunities to connect with other teens who are trying to quit vaping. Text 'VAPEFREE 'to 873373.

Live Vape-Free Young Adult (ages 18-26) — this program offers the same features as the Live Vape-Free Youth program, plus it includes free non-prescription quit medications, if appropriate. Text 'VAPEFREE' to 873373.

Explore Live Vape Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most likely. The SC Tobacco Quitline offers FDA-approved non-prescription quit medications, including the nicotine patch, gum, or lozenge. We also offer combination therapy to improve quit success.

People who are under the age of 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with some medical issues will be referred to their doctor for the use of FDA-approved quit medications.

Yes! Any SC Healthy Connections Medicaid member can enroll with the SC Tobacco Quitline. In fact, the SC Tobacco Quitline originally began with Medicaid and uninsured population services. Talk to a coach and find the program that best meets your needs. Enroll and we will send a 2-week starter kit of non-prescription quit medications (gum, patch, or lozenge). You will need to talk to your SC Healthy Connections provider to keep using the right medication for you. Full benefit SC Healthy Connections Medicaid members can get any FDA-approved prescription and/or non-prescription quit medication with no copay. And your provider does not have to get prior authorization to prescribe these products for you. Be sure to let your coach know that you are a member of SC Healthy Connections Medicaid.

Since launching in August 2006, the SC Tobacco Quitline has been managed by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (formerly the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control) with generous state funding support. The daily operations and services of the SC Tobacco Quitline are contracted through the SC Division of Procurement Services through a competitive bid process. SC's current vendor is RVO Health, LLC (a joint venture company with former vendor, Optum).

The SC Tobacco Quitline is open year-round: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are closed on:

  • Independence Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • ½ day Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • ½ day New Year’s Eve
  • Late open on New Year’s Day (to help people with their resolution to live tobacco-free).

Our coaches are highly trained specialists who are passionate about supporting you on your journey to quit. Many of our coaches are successful quitters themselves who have counseling and behavioral health backgrounds. We never judge; we are here to help.

No health insurance? No problem –we can still help. We help all South Carolinians regardless of insurance status, but extra help is available for people who have no health insurance or who are "underinsured" with up to 5 coaching calls and, for most uninsured or underinsured participants, up to 12 weeks of free non-prescription quit medications.

Nicotine in any form is not safe. It puts stress on your heart, increases mental stress, reduces effectiveness of mental and behavioral health medications, and causes addiction.

No. SC Tobacco Quitline services in South Carolina are completely free.

No, insurance isn't required for enrollment in the SC Tobacco Quitline. If your health insurance plan provides additional quit benefits, you may be referred to your health insurance provider. Follow up with your coach if you have more questions.

When you call the SC Tobacco Quitline, you will speak directly to a coach who will register you for services and answer any questions.

Learn more about the risks of vaping.

CDC logo

CDC Health Effects of Vaping

No tobacco products, not even vapes, are safe.

 

Read the CDC Health Effects of Vaping.

DPH logo

DPH Risks of Vaping

The long-term health effects of vaping are unknown, but we do know that youth e-cigarette and vape use has been declared an epidemic by the US Surgeon General. 

 

Find information at Vaping | South Carolina Department of Public Health.

DPH logo

DPH Division of Tobacco Prevention & Control

Policy and program efforts to reduce the burden of tobacco use in South Carolina.

 

Visit the DPH's Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control.

Truth Initiative logo

Truth Initiative’s Vaping Has Real Risks

Vaping has more risks than you may realize.

 

Learn all the risks at Vaping Has Real Risks.

Smokefree SC

Smokefree SC

Smokefree SC's vision is to eliminate premature death, disease, and other harms caused by tobacco products.

 

Visit Smokefree SC.

CDC What Parents Need to Know About Vaping

Vapes & e-cigarettes do not create harmless “water vapor” — they create an aerosol that can contain harmful chemicals.

 

Learn What Parents Need to Know About Vaping.

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