Frequently Asked Questions

We regard tobacco and nicotine addiction as a “substance use disorder” - a complex disease that needs to be managed rather than just a habit that needs to stop. Our vaping and smoking cessation program is therefore more comprehensive and intensive, using treatment methods that have been used effectively for people who are dependency to other substances such as alcohol and opioids. In addition, we extend the length of treatment longer than typical smoking cessation programs in order to prevent return to use.

The initial “Quitting Phase” lasts for 3 to 4 months, depending upon the person’s preferred pace. The “Staying Quit” lasts an additional 8 to 9 months.

No. You can leave the program whenever you like.

Online. All individual and group sessions are delivered by telemedicine. Patients receive treatment by using a computer or smartphone.

18 or older.

Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington DC.

No, we will work with you on an individual schedule. Most people prefer to stop gradually, and we can prescribe medication to reduce the discomfort.

Medications are not required, but we highly encourage using them because they increase the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. These include varenicline (Chantix), bupropion (Zyban), as well as nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges. If the discomfort and distraction of cravings and other withdrawal symptoms can be eliminated, the patient is more able to focus on the important psychological work of recovery and treatment outcomes are improved.

No. Well done scientific studies have disproved this belief, which was based on anecdotal reports. Persistent misinformation, however, have unfortunately made some people hesitant to use this safe and effective medication.

Yes. Some people experience nausea and others have bad dreams. These problems are often temporary and if they persist, we are able to figure out ways to reduce the symptoms so that the medication can still be used. If this cannot be done, other medications are used instead.

No. Medications are useful but when used without any other treatment the outcomes are poor.

Many people do not gain weight. Those that do, gain an average of 5 to 10 pounds. This can be offset by an increase in exercise. Here is a link for more details: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6534411

Yes! Triple Track helps people quit all forms of nicotine, including pouches (Zyn, On!, etc.), dip, chewing tobacco, gum, and lozenges. Our approach combines therapy to manage cravings and stress, medication to ease withdrawal, and group support for accountability—all designed to help you quit for good.

Almost all of our patients have been able to quit initially. Our longer-term staying quit results are more than 3 times the success rate of traditional smoking cessation programs.

Because Triple Track Treatment is in network with most health insurance plans, including Maryland Medicaid, the only cost for most patients is their copay and also their deductible if it has not already been met. If we are not in network with your insurance company, our team can discuss payment options to allow you to access treatment with us because we do not want cost to be a barrier to treatment.

We are in network with Aetna, CareFirst/Blue Cross, Cigna/Evernorth, Johns Hopkins/EHP, Maryland Medicaid, and United Healthcare/Optum. Our program is not covered by Tricare, Medicare, or Medicaid in states other than Maryland.