Kick the Nic

Quitting isn't easy for anyone, including the one out of five Alberta teens who smoke. If you are interested in helping the teens in your school, community or organization quit smoking, Kick the Nic is an effective program based on addiction treatment best practice. Developed by the B.C. Ministry of Health, Kick the Nic is a 10-week cessation program for 13- to 17-year-olds. The goal is to help youth who smoke quit and prepare for future quit attempts.

After 10 small group sessions, led by an adult facilitator, teens will have learned reasons behind their tobacco use, the consequences of use, strategies to avoid tobacco, withdrawal coping strategies, and ongoing support strategies.

The facilitators' guide and resources to run Kick the Nic are comprehensive and easy to use. Training support is available through your local addictions services office. These materials are free and available from AHS to non-profit groups, schools, organizations and individuals. In some locations an AHS tobacco reduction counsellor may be available to facilitate or co-facilitate a group.

For more information on Kick the Nic, contact your local addictions services office.