Moving to a new place is a great time to make positive changes in your life. Quitting or cutting back on smoking and vaping is one of the best things you can do for your health, now and in the future.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own
As a newcomer, it could be challenging to navigate the health system and find the right support to quit or reduce nicotine use. Newcomers may also face additional stressors that can make quitting smoking or vaping hard, including:
- Language barriers
- Financial pressures
- Employment challenges
- Social isolation
- Cultural adjustments
- Discrimination or racism
Benefits of a smoke and vape free life
Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals and can harm nearly every part of your body. Learn about the health risks of tobacco here.
Vaping products contain nicotine, flavourings, and toxic chemicals such as heavy metals that are not safe to inhale. Read our page about vaping risks here.
When you smoke or vape, people around you can breathe in the smoke or vapour from your cigarette, vape, or the air you breathe out. This is called secondhand smoke or vapour, and it can harm the health of your friends and family, especially children.1
How to access quit aids
Every province in Canada has different ways to access health care services. If you are new to British Columbia, you can get free or lower-cost medications and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help you quit smoking. But first, you’ll need to register for BC’s public health plans.
The BC Smoking Cessation Program offers 3 months of free or lower-cost quit aids per calendar year. Read our Medications That Can Help page or speak with your health care provider (doctor, pharmacist, or nurse practitioner) to find a suitable option for you.
Note: Quit medications and NRT are not currently covered for those looking to quit vaping only. We recommend speaking to a health care provider to explore your options.
How we can support you
Get free personalized support
Quitting can feel difficult, especially when you settle down in a new place. At QuitNow, we understand how life transitions and unique stressors as a newcomer can affect your plan to quit or reduce smoking or vaping.
Our expert Quit Coaches work with you one-on-one and guide you through each step of building a realistic quit plan that works for you. We are here to listen to your challenges, help you find ways to handle stress, and provide tools and resources along the way.
Be part of a supportive community
You are not alone in your quit journey. QuitNow connects you to an online community of Quit Coaches and like-minded people who are also trying to quit or reduce. Whether you are looking to hear from others, share tips and strategies, or celebrate your successes, we welcome you to join us.