Quit Smoking Program

The Quit Smoking Program is a nurse-led clinic that provides you with one-on-one support during your attempt to quit. Through the program, we provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where we tailor a “quit plan” to meet your individual needs. A healthcare provider may refer patients to the program. Patients may self-refer to the program as well. The cost is covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

Nicotine dependence

Nicotine causes the release of natural chemicals in your brain that make you temporarily feel good or energized. However, over time, your body builds a tolerance to some of the effects of nicotine, and you must therefore continue to smoke to make the effects last. When you go without tobacco or e-cigarettes for more than a few hours, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, which then cause you to continue to smoke or vape to avoid feeling those symptoms. 

It is never too late to quit smoking. In fact, the benefits of quitting can be seen in as little as eight hours. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your quality of life.

What to expect

Before your first visit, please attend the virtual webinar on nicotine dependence by phone or web. The nicotine dependence webinar takes place every Thursday at 11 a.m.

At your first visit, you will meet with the nurse who will review your medical history and medications to establish your personal treatment plan. The plan may include a prescription for nicotine replacement products, Varenicline or Bupropion. We may conduct a carbon monoxide reading so you can see your progress. 

Follow-up visits are scheduled once a month for six months.

Appointments are offered over the phone or via videoconference.

To register

• Call us at 613-696-7069
• Email us at quitsmoking@ottawaheart.ca

You do not need a physician referral. We will ask you to complete and return a baseline questionnaire prior to booking your first visit. 

Patient instructions

Please bring the following to your first appointment

• Your health card
• A list of your current medications
• Your physician(s) name(s) and contact numbers
• Your pharmacist’s name and contact numbers

Referrals

To refer a patient to the Quit Smoking Program, please complete the referral form (pdf) and fax it to the number on the form.

Patient resources

At the Heart Institute

• Nicotine dependence webinar
  This educational webinar takes place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Thursday of the month. Patients who use tobacco products or e-cigarettes and their family members are welcome to attend. Find sessions by visiting the events calendar. If you are unable to access the class via the URL provided, you may join the session via telephone by dialling 1-613-737-8999 ext. 218147, then press pound (#) at the start time indicated.
  Attention: The presenters ask participating patients and families not to include identifying information when joining this webinar. Do not use your full name. Disable your camera and microphone during the class. Do not use the chat function unless you are comfortable asking questions to the group. 
• Nicotine Addiction Treatment Plan booklet
• Quit Smoking Program pamphlet

External resources

• Nicotine addiction - Canada.ca