Kick It California can help you quit smoking, vaping, or chew.
- Call 1-800-300-8086 or Spanish 1-800-600-8191 Monday – Friday 7 AM – 9 PM or Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
What Happens When You Quit Tobacco?
You may start to notice you’re not only breathing easier. Walking is simpler. Below are some of the many health benefits of quitting within the first two weeks.
20 minutes
8 hours
24 hours
48 hours
72 hours
1 week
2 weeks
Blood pressure and pulse return to normal.
Carbon monoxide levels return to normal.
Decreased risk of heart attack and lower nicotine levels.
Smell and taste improves.
Breathing becomes simpler.
You are now 9 times more likely to quit for good.
Lung function increases 30%.
Vaping is NOT Quitting
E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved quit smoking tools. In many cases they have more nicotine and are more addictive. They also have chemicals that are not made to be inhaled especially with certain flavors. Learn more at https://truthinitiative.org/
Withdrawal Symptoms
Going through withdrawal is painful, but it’s a sign your body is healing and getting rid of toxins. If you have symptoms after quitting, they will be strongest in the first few days. They often go away in 2-4 weeks and having a coping plan can help.
Common signs are:
- Having cravings
- Feeling on edge‚ grouchy
- Feeling restless and jumpy
- Having trouble thinking clearly and focusing
- Feeling down or sad
- Having trouble sleeping
- Slower heart rate
- Feeling hungrier or gaining weight
Next Step: Getting Quit Aids
*Quit aids are covered, talk to your doctor who can help you get the right choice for you.
- Talk with your doctor
- Let them know you want to quit
- Get a prescription for a quit aid like patches, gum, lozenges, Zyban, Chantix, or other choices.
- Join Kick It California
- Call or sign up online
- Take your prescription to the drugstore
- If your doctor prescribed patches, gum, lozenges, Chantix or Zyban, you can most likely get it right away
- If you are prescribed the nicotine inhaler or spray it will take a few weeks. The pharmacist needs to send a Treatment Authorization Request (TAR).
Curious about what is asked when you call the CA Smoker’s Helpline, listen to these calls:
Supportive Tools
Health Plan support
HealthReach 24/7 Advice Nurse Line
Health Plan offers this aid to help you with your questions when your doctor’s office is closed. Speak with a Nurse and ask questions about any health problems you’re having. Quitting can bring a lot of sudden changes to your body.
If you are feeling sick and aren’t sure what to do, the Advice Nurse Line can help, 1-800-655-8294.
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services links you to supportive, trained counselors. They can help you overcome blocks you might go through when trying to quit. Nicotine can change your mood, so when you’re trying to quit you might find that your more annoyed, stressed, or nervous. If you have other mental health conditions Health Plan can help,
1-888-581-7526.
Contact Health Plan
Find a list of all Health Plan telephone numbers and a list of FAQ’s questions.
Online Access
Access your Health Plan information online, open an account now!
Case Management
Needing to work with a nurse? Our Case Management program can help.
Local Support
Posted on January 13th, 2021 and last modified on February 6th, 2025.
top