INDIANA — For the second year in a row, the Indiana Tobacco Quitline is offering tobacco users free medication to help them quit tobacco use. The nicotine replacement therapy promotion is available now and ends when supplies run out.

In the last year, nearly 7,500 Hoosiers received a free two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy through the Quitline.

“Although we’re past the season of New Year’s resolutions, we want to encourage Hoosiers who use tobacco that any time is the right time to try to quit,” said Miranda Spitznagle, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission at the Indiana State Department of Health. “Tobacco users often go through several quit attempts before succeeding, but proven treatments and services are available that can improve their chances to quit for good.”

To take advantage of the free offer, tobacco users must enroll in the Indiana Tobacco Quitline, which provides a trained coach who will work with them to make a personalized quit plan. Online counseling is also provided. Once enrolled, users will receive a two-week supply of free medication, including gum or patches.

Although it can be difficult to overcome nicotine addiction, Hoosiers do quit smoking every day. Today, there are more former smokers than current smokers nationwide. Surveys have found that nearly 70 percent of all cigarette smokers want to quit, and research shows quitting at any age has health benefits.

“Quitting tobacco is one of the most important decisions people can make to improve their health and the health of their families,” Spitznagle said. “For those Hoosiers who are ready to quit, there are free help and resources available whenever they make that important decision.”

Counseling, including Quitline coaching, and medication are both effective, especially when used together. Medications help by decreasing urges to smoke and easing withdrawal symptoms.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. Approximately 22 percent of Indiana adults smoke, and smoking kills 11,100 Hoosiers each year. More than 330,000 Hoosiers live with smoking-related diseases.

Take the first step toward quitting smoking and get free help by calling the Indiana Tobacco Quitline at (800) QUIT-NOW or by going to QuitNowIndiana.com.

Visit ISDH at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.