How to Get Help


Online Quit Program

Online Quit Program

Whether you are just thinking about quitting or have been smoke-free for a while, Smokers’ Helpline Online (SHO) can offer tips, tools and support. This interactive online service is free and 24/7.

Sign up for free

Community support

Share your experiences, gain inspiration and support others in our online forums. Once you are registered, you can post to the forums or just read what others are posting. Smokers' Helpline moderators can answer your questions.

Members can also draw inspiration from our Hall of Fame and Smoke-free Anniversary Celebrations.

Self-directed quit program

Once you register, you can:

  • Receive inspirational e-mails
  • Make a public pledge to quit
  • Keep a cravings diary
  • Work through helpful exercises tied to the milestones of your quit journey
  • Track your progress with our Quit Meter
  • Private message other members with Quit Buddies messenger

And, anyone can access One Step at a Time self-help materials and can find local links to additional support with our Community Services Locator .

Help by Phone

Help by Phone

1 877 513-5333

Free and confidential one-to-one support.

Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
(Be sure to check your time zone)

Why you should call

Call a Quit Coach at Smokers' Helpline whether you are thinking about quitting, ready to quit, actively quitting, need help staying smoke-free, not ready to quit or want to help someone else quit.

What to expect

You will talk directly to a non-judgmental Quit Coach who can help you:

  • Make a personalized quit plan
  • Manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms and stress
  • Learn about quit aids
  • Find local support in your community
  • Receive optional follow up calls throughout your quitting journey

Service is available in English and French and, in Ontario, over 100 languages through an interpreter.

Call today, toll-free, 1 877 513-5333.
TXT Messaging

TXT Messaging (Available to Ontario residents)

Receive support on the go with text messages customized to your quit date. Text key words for additional help when you need it the most.
Sign up for free

Already an online member? Log in to opt into text.

How to register

Become a member of Smokers' Helpline Online in Ontario, or update your profile if you are already a member, to opt into TXT.

What to expect

Tell us your past or future quit date and your preferred message schedule and we will send evidence-based, supportive messages to your mobile device. Your first message will ask you to accept our terms of service via text.

TXT Keywords

You are equipped with a keyword card so that you can tell us when you are feeling edgy or stressed and when you are having a craving, around other smokers, around alcohol, have had a slip or just need motivation.

This service is available to Ontario residents. Text messaging rates from your provider may apply.

Run to Quit

Get support to quit smoking while getting physically active. Run to Quit is our newest program in partnership with the Running Room. Register today!
Sign up at runtoquit.com

Running Room and the Canadian Cancer Society have teamed up to present Run to Quit.  This is a new and innovative 10-week program for you and a ‘quit buddy’ (family member or friend) to help you quit smoking and get in shape while doing it!  The program is for everybody and anybody, regardless of your fitness level.  The program meets participants where they are at and builds slowly. 

Run to Quit provide instruction and support to you to quit smoking (and their support buddies).  It will be offered as an online program and an in-person program in Ottawa only beginning the week of April 8, 2013. 

Participants can expect:

  • Education, resources and support from “Run to Quit Coaches” and other smokers on how to quit smoking.
  • A running program that will teach participants to run/walk 5 km by the end of 10 weeks, with a gradual progression of run and walk breaks.
  • Getting family and friends involved to support them by sponsoring them to reach your goals.
  • Additional support from the Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Helpline.
  • A 5 km fun run in Ottawa at the end to celebrate their success with family and friends!
  • A Technical Running T-shirt