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Policies

Tobacco Cessation Resources

The University of Houston is committed to supporting students, faculty and staff who want to quit smoking.  If you are not ready to quit but need help remaining tobacco-free in class or at work, nicotine replacement products such as gum, lozenges and patches are available without a prescription at the UH Pharmacy located in the UH Health Center.

For students



Students who desire to quit can consult a physician at the UH Health Center.  Smoking cessation strategies will be provided. Over the counter and prescription medication options are available. Make an appointment by phone or simply walk in for same day service. There is no insurance requirement. Call 713-743-5151 for more information.       

For staff and faculty

United Healthcare offers smoking cessation services to UH employees. Tobacco cessation coaching is a benefit provided by HealthSelect. This free, confidential service consists of telephone coaching by trained professionals. You will have telephone sessions every three weeks for 3-6 months.  Once enrolled, a coach will confirm your eligibility to receive nicotine replacement therapy. Prescription medications for smoking cessation are covered. Call 1-800-478-1057 to learn more or follow the links for Wellness at Health Select of Texas.

Faculty and Staff who desire to quit can consult a physician at the UH Health Center.  Smoking cessation strategies will be provided. Over the counter and prescription medication options are available. Make an appointment by phone or simply walk in for same day service. There is no insurance requirement. The cost of a visit is $45. Call 713-743-5151to make an appointment.

UH faculty and staff are eligible to receive three individual counseling sessions for smoking cessation from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). As of February 18, 2013, there will be a $25 fee per session. Faculty and staff are eligible for group counseling on a limited basis.  Please contact CAPS for details at 713-743-5454.

Upcoming Programs and Research Studies on the UH Campus

  1. Virtual Reality Nicotine Addiction Therapy Research is being conducted in the Graduate College of Social Work. This innovative approach to the treatment of addiction has upcoming studies related to the treatment of nicotine addiction. Studies are funded by the National Institutes of Health.  Volunteers receive free counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Call 713-743-8037.
  2. The Department of Psychology is recruiting participants for several studies on the treatment of nicotine addiction.  Studies are funded by the National Institutes of Health. Volunteers in the study receive up to $150, free counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Call 713-743-8056.

Additional Resources

  1. MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston is committed to making cancer history through multiple smoking cessation research studies.  Multiple studies are ongoing and recruiting participants. You can expect to be paid for your time, receive reimbursement for transportation and parking and receive free medications and counseling sessions. Many studies also provide free physical exams and lab work. Call 713-792-2265.
  2. 1 800 QUIT NOW — This free resource is supported by the tobacco settlement funds which were distributed to individual states.  Learn more about services provided by the quit line.
  3. Yes Quit — This is an online smoking cessation program that the tobacco user signs up for.  Rather than telephone counseling, the intervention takes place online.
  4. American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking® Online Program — Evidenced based on-line program from the American Lung Association consisting of eight self-paced modules, each containing four lessons, and an interactive message board to assist you in quitting tobacco. 
  5. Become an Ex — The EX plan teaches you how to live life without cigarettes in three steps - all geared to help make the seemingly impossible possible. This free program was developed at the highly respected Mayo Clinic and is endorsed by the National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation.

  6. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the launch of Be Tobacco Free, a comprehensive website providing one-stop access to the best and most up-to-date tobacco-related information from across its agencies. This consolidated resource includes general information on tobacco, federal and state laws and policies, health statistics, and evidence-based methods on how to quit.
  7. Quit smoking with the National Cancer Institute QuitPal mobile app. By downloading NCI QuitPal for free from the App Store to your iPhone or iPad, you can instantly get help to quit smoking.