A recent study conducted by Georgia State University and released by the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) shows that the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line –1-877-270-STOP – is effective in helping people who use tobacco kick the habit. The Quit Line provides one-on-one counseling and assists tobacco users in creating customized quit plans.

The “Georgia Tobacco Quit Line Preliminary Evaluation Report” polled 1,001 adult Georgians who contacted the Quit Line between Jan. 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed had not used any tobacco in the 30 days prior to the survey; 27 percent had not used any tobacco in the seven days prior to the survey. Of those surveyed, 77 percent said the Quit Line was “very helpful” or “somewhat helpful” as they tried to quit using tobacco.

“We know that the states who fund Quit Lines see a reduction in tobacco use. This report solidifies what we already know – that the tobacco cessation services offered by the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line are helping Georgians quit the tobacco habit and stay tobacco free,” said Stuart Brown, M.D., director of DHR’s Division of Public Health.

Additional key findings of persons surveyed include:

• 87 percent said they would recommend the Quit Line to others.

• 84 percent said the Quit Line was “very helpful” or “somewhat helpful” in suggesting ways to quit tobacco, such as how to deal with urges or getting social support.

• 71 percent said the Quit Line was “very helpful” or “somewhat helpful” in providing information about medications such as the nicotine patch or Zyban.

• The study found that quit rates for Georgia Tobacco Quit Line callers are consistent with or better than national quit rates for similar statewide tobacco counseling services. Other statewide quit lines show quit rates that range from 15 percent to 28 percent.

Launched in 2001, the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line is a toll-free resource that offers counseling, screening, and support services free toGeorgia residents ages 13 and older who want to quit using tobacco.

Tobacco users can call 1-877-270-STOP; Spanish speakers call 1-877-2NO-FUME/TTY; and TTY: 1-877-777-6534 for the hearing-impaired. Callers speak with a trained counselor who tailors the quit process according to each caller’s needs. Youth who call speak with trained youth counselors who can address their specific needs. Unlike many resources aimed at helping smokers quit, the Quit Line also provides thorough follow-up services.

To date, nearly 450,000 Georgians have called the Quit Line for help.
Tobacco use is a leading preventable cause of illness and death in Georgia. Approximately 20 percent of Georgia adults ages 18 and older smoke cigarettes, down from 23 percent in 2001. More than 11,000 Georgians die each year from tobacco-related diseases, about one in every six deaths. Of these deaths, 38 percent are caused by cancer, another 38 percent are the result of heart disease, and 24 percent are attributable to respiratory illnesses, including asthma. In addition, the state spends about $1.8 billion annually for direct healthcare costs related to adult tobacco use,. illustrating the cost-effectiveness of the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line.

Be Smoke Free is part of the Live Healthy Georgia campaign that also encourages Georgians to Be Active, Eat Healthy, Get Checked and Be Positive.

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