A nonprofit organization set up to help Minnesotans quit smoking has launched a new program in time for the New Year’s holiday.

Called Together We Quit, the Quitplan Services program sends daily motivational text messages and weekly emails with tips to help people curb their smoking addictions.

According to the Minnesota Adult Tobacco Study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health, receiving motivational text messages doubled hopeful quitters’ chances of success.

Though quitting can be difficult, having a support system in place is proven to greatly increase a quitter’s likelihood of success, according to a news release.

The organization already offers free telephone counseling, nicotine patches, lozenges or gum to eligible residents.

The study states about 340,000 Minnesotans actively tried to quit smoking in the past year.

To register for the program visit www.quitplan.com.

 

Tips to quit smoking

• Get support and encouragement.

Tell your family, friends and co-workers you are quitting. Having a support person in place can greatly increase a quitter’s likelihood of success.

• Identify urges and triggers.

Write down every strong urge you have, where you are and what you’re doing and thinking. Finding a pattern or cause to the urges can help you feel more in control of them.

• Develop coping skills.

Make a list of the coping skills to use when the urge arises.

• Take action when the urge hits.

When you feel the urge to smoke, change your scenery or try a new activity. Call someone, go for a walk or get a healthy snack.

• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations.

When trying to quit smoking, avoid alcohol and be careful around other smokers. Try to stay in nonsmoking areas.

— Information from QuitPlan Services