Tobacco products don’t ease stress—they worsen it. That’s the message from the New York State Quitline, which urges residents to rethink cigarettes and e-cigarettes as a coping tool.
Quitline data reveals high stress and mental health struggles
More than half of New Yorkers who contacted the NYS Quitline in March 2025 said they felt nervous “all, most, or some of the time” in the previous 30 days. Additionally, 48% of those served throughout 2024 reported having at least one mental health condition.
“People believe tobacco offers temporary stress relief, but that’s a false sense of comfort,” said Dr. Andrew Hyland, director of the Quitline and chair of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “These addictive products create a feedback loop—more cravings, more stress, and more harm.”
Quitting tobacco leads to lower stress and better health
Scientific research supports a strong link between quitting tobacco and improved mental well-being. A meta-analysis of 26 studies found people who quit experienced reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. They also reported improved mood and quality of life.
Free support available for New Yorkers who want to quit
The NYS Quitline, funded by the New York State Department of Health, provides several free tools and services to help residents quit tobacco:
- Breathing exercises: Deep breathing can mimic inhalation and reduce anxiety during cravings.
- Delay tactics: Learning to wait out a craving builds resistance and creates long-term quitting habits.
- Financial motivation: Smokers can calculate their savings with an online tool at nysmokefree.com.
- Personalized help: Residents can talk to trained specialists to build a quit plan and manage triggers.
The Quitline offers support via:
- Phone: 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487)
- Online: nysmokefree.com for live chat, call-back requests, and free nicotine replacement therapy
- Text: Text QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888
Take the first step to reduce stress—go tobacco-free
Life is stressful enough without the added burden of nicotine dependence. Quitting tobacco can improve mental health, boost finances, and restore a sense of control and self-worth. For any New Yorker ready to break the cycle, the Quitline is just a call or click away.
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