Arizonans Can Quit Smoking With Help of New, Free iPhone App

PHOENIX, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Smokers' Helpline (ASHLine) announces that its years of experience helping people quit smoking have been transferred into the many features of its new Call It Quits iPhone App. Call it Quits is also compatible with Facebook and accessible through the ASHLine Facebook page. The new quit smoking iPhone App is the only one of its kind that offers the recommended combination of tools to quit for good -- peer support, instant access to a quit coach, and goal-setting – and it is available free to Arizona smokers.   

"This new app is ideal for the fast-paced world we live in and is an aid to any 'quit smoking' attempt," said Stephen Michael, director of the ASHLine. "It is another way to help smokers stop smoking and a direct line to our quit coaches. It has many benefits like goal tracking and is the only app that provides the instant 'call a coach' feature, which is really important because the average smoker has multiple cravings a day lasting between 30 to 90 seconds."

In Arizona, where smoking rates are among the lowest in the nation -- 15 percent compared to 21 percent nationally -- people who do smoke are considered the most addicted. New tools like the Call It Quits app expand the tools available to the state's smokers. Call It Quits has a profile function where the user can upload their picture and create their unique community of family and friends. A support network plays a critical role for smokers and the ability to text, email or call them quickly is an added convenience. Call It Quits also bestows 'stars' and 'badges' on the users Facebook page so the support network can celebrate a job well done.

"Providing support goes a long way in helping smokers quit. Whether they're making a first attempt to quit, have stopped smoking for a month or have been quit for years and now relapsed, it is a constant battle to quit and stay quit," said Wayne Tormala, Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau Chief for Tobacco and Chronic Disease. "The Call It Quits app will go where smokers go; ready to help whenever they need it."

The Arizona Smokers' Helpline offers free telephone quit coaching at 1-800-55-66-222 and free online quit coaching services via WebQuit™ at www.ASHLine.org, and information about all FDA-approved over-the-counter and prescription medications, which are all equally important components for an effective cessation program.

SOURCE Arizona Smokers' Helpline (ASHLine)