VA promotes tobacco treatment programs ahead of Great American Smokeout

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging Veterans to use its tobacco use treatment programs ahead of the Great American Smokeout on November 19, according to a VA News article published November 9, 2026.

The article, by Dana E. Christofferson, deputy director of the VA's Tobacco Use Treatment Program, describes a step-by-step approach under the theme "Success Starts Here." The VA recommends that Veterans identify a personal motivation for quitting, build a plan online or call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) to work with a quit coach, and meet with a VA health care provider about medications and counseling.

According to the VA, using medications and counseling makes a person more than four times as likely to quit as trying to quit cold turkey. The department also points to group counseling with other Veterans, the Stay Quit Coach app and daily text messages as additional sources of support.

The article quotes Navy Veteran Dustin Johnson, who said he quit because of the cost of cigarettes, and Veteran Douglas Ferrier, who the VA said stopped after multiple setbacks once he found a medication that worked for him.

The VA said 78% of Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration who have a history of smoking have stopped using tobacco.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/902