Make this the year you say goodbye to any smokeless tobacco or oral nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches. Join others across North Dakota in taking the first step during Through With Chew Week and The Great American Spit Out, Feb. 16-22, 2025.
Smokeless tobacco is far from harmless, yet many North Dakotans continue to use it. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health encourages North Dakotans who are ready to become tobacco-free to set a recovery date and create a treatment plan. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health also offers educational materials and support for commercial tobacco and nicotine dependence treatment. Additionally, NDQuits provides free statewide coaching and support through phone and web-based programs to help you succeed.
“If using smokeless tobacco feels like part of the culture in North Dakota, it doesn’t have to,” said Alexis Raymond, TPS. “Make a plan on how to avoid triggers during events – and everyday occurrences. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health can help you identify those triggers and how to avoid them.”
Quitting smokeless tobacco offers numerous health benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. It reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions such as oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss, all of which are strongly linked to the use of chewing tobacco or snuff. When you become nicotine-free, you also lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Additionally, your overall oral health improves, including fresher breath, fewer mouth sores, and healthier gums. Breaking free from this dependence enhances your energy levels, improves your sense of taste and smell, and sets a positive example for others. Ultimately, becoming tobacco-free can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Susan Kahler, NCTTS is a tobacco treatment specialist (TTS), at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. She receives specialized training about tobacco-related health conditions, nicotine replacement medications, and behavioral counseling. Through behavioral counseling, Susan helps you develop a treatment plan that breaks routines to avoid triggers and prepares for cravings to make your recovery attempt more successful. Susan can recommend nicotine replacement medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Receiving counseling and using nicotine replacement medications more than double your rate of success.
For help with quitting smokeless tobacco, visit hhs.nd.gov/ndquits or contact Susan
Kahler at 701-355-1597.