Quit Smoking Helpline in Costa Rica

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national quitline in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does not operate a single national stop-smoking telephone line. Instead, the Ministry of Health, the CCSS and IAFA jointly run a free virtual program called "Dejar de Fumar y Vapear", reachable by WhatsApp on 8723-8716, and the CCSS offers free in-person cessation clinics. People can also ask at their local EBAIS clinic to be referred for support.

Source: Ministerio de Salud — Ayuda para dejar de fumar y vapear por WhatsApp , CCSS — Clínicas de Cesación de Fumado

Is help to quit smoking free in Costa Rica?

Yes. The "Dejar de Fumar y Vapear" WhatsApp program is fully virtual and free. The CCSS cessation clinics are also free for people covered by the public health system, and you typically join through your local health area or EBAIS. IAFA support is likewise offered free of charge.

Source: Ministerio de Salud — Ayuda para dejar de fumar y vapear por WhatsApp , CCSS — Clínicas de Cesación de Fumado , IAFA — Programa Dejar de Fumar y Vapear

What is the "Dejar de fumar con SMS" program and how does it work?

It is a quit-smoking service started by the Ministry of Health that uses mobile messaging to support smokers. The original system sent a series of automated text messages that tracked a person's progress and suggested ways to change the habit. The Ministry later moved this idea to WhatsApp as "Dejar de Fumar y Vapear", which guides users through 17 days of preparation followed by three months of daily follow-up.

Source: Ministerio de Salud — Dejar de fumar con SMS Salud , Ministerio de Salud — Ayuda para dejar de fumar y vapear por WhatsApp

Where can I get in-person help to quit in Costa Rica?

The CCSS runs cessation clinics ("clínicas de cesación de fumado") in hospitals and health areas across the country, using a group method of weekly sessions led by doctors and psychologists; referral usually starts at your local EBAIS. IAFA also offers tobacco cessation support, including group and individual care through its drug-treatment centres.

Source: CCSS — Clínicas de Cesación de Fumado , IAFA — Programa Dejar de Fumar y Vapear

Who runs the service and in what language?

The virtual "Dejar de Fumar y Vapear" program was developed together by the Ministerio de Salud, the CCSS and IAFA, and it is delivered entirely in Spanish. The CCSS clinics and IAFA services are part of the public health system. If you relapse, you can usually re-enrol in the WhatsApp program and start again.

Source: Ministerio de Salud — Ayuda para dejar de fumar y vapear por WhatsApp , IAFA — Programa Dejar de Fumar y Vapear