Nicotine Resources
Nicotine is a substance found in all tobacco products and some e-cigarette liquids. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which is naturally present in the tobacco plant. Laboratories can also produce nicotine synthetically.
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Nicotine creates a temporary feeling of well-being and relaxation, and increases heart rate and the amount of oxygen the heart uses. As nicotine enters the body, it causes a surge of endorphins, which are chemicals that help to relieve stress and pain and improve mood.
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The body quickly absorbs nicotine into the bloodstream so it can reach the brain. Nicotine levels peak quickly after entering the body, so the feelings of reward are short-lived. This can create a cycle of people continuing to smoke to keep feeling the pleasurable sensations.
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Nicotine also increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is part of the brain’s reward system and creates feelings of pleasure and reward. The release of dopamine reinforces a person’s behavior of taking nicotine.
Steps for Quitting Tobacco/Nicotine
If you're considering giving up smoking, vaping, or using any other tobacco or nicotine products, you've come to the right spot
Uncertain about quitting right now?
That's okay. Familiarizing yourself with available resources for when you're ready can be beneficial. Browse through these pages for information.
Ready to quit?
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Contact your healthcare provider for assistance with medications and referrals to resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
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Check with your health insurance plan, as it should cover medications and coaching for quitting, including MassHealth.
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Connect with 1-800-QUIT-NOW (Massachusetts Quitline) for free support in over 200 languages, including Spanish.
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For the Asian Smokers' Quitline, find materials and phone counseling:
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Chinese: 1-800-838-1987
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Korean: 1-800-556-5564
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Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8840
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For deaf or hard of hearing individuals, use VRS or TTY by dialing (711). Spanish speakers can call 1-866-930-9252."
Additional resources for quitting
For adults:
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1-855-QUIT-VET: Free coaching to any Veteran who receives health care through the VA.
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Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ): Free smoking cessation services in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese to Asian communities in the U.S.
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ASQ is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight (Eastern time) or sign up online on Asian Smokers' Quitline.
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Chinese: 1-800-838-8917, Asq-chinese.org
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Korean: 1-800-556-5564, Asq-korean.org
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Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8440, Asq-viet.org
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To learn more about ASQ (in English), visit Asian Smokers' Quitline.
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For youth:​
Quit Lines
You can talk to trained quit coaches by calling these numbers:
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English: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
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Spanish (Español): 1-800-DEJÉLO-YA
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Mandarin and Cantonese (ä¸æ–‡): 1-800-838-8917
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Korean (í•œêµì–´): 1-800-566-5564
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Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt): 1-800-778-8440
Online Resources
Find tips and tools to help you quit smoking online:
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CDC: CDC.gov/Quit
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Smokefree: Smokefree.gov
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Smokefree en español: Smokefree en español
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Need extra support?
Connect with a trained crisis counselor:
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call 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or text “Home” to 741-741.
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If you feel you are in imminent danger, call 911.
