Czech Republic Quitline — Národní linka pro odvykání 800 350 000

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national quitline in the Czech Republic?

Yes. The Národní linka pro odvykání is the national quit line on 800 350 000. It is operated by the non-profit AdiPoint (formerly the Czech Coalition Against Tobacco) and was established by the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic. As well as smoking, the line also advises on alcohol, gambling and other addictions, and it helps family members too.

Source: Národní linka pro odvykání (chciodvykat.cz) , NZIP — Závislost na tabáku: kde hledat pomoc (Ministerstvo zdravotnictví)

Is help to quit smoking free in the Czech Republic?

Yes. Calls to 800 350 000 are free of charge, with no phone fees, and the counselling itself costs nothing. The service is publicly funded and open to anyone aged 15 or over. At the tobacco-dependence centres the medical intervention is covered by health insurance; quit-smoking medicines are not fully reimbursed, but most insurers contribute towards them.

Source: Národní linka pro odvykání (chciodvykat.cz) , NZIP — Závislost na tabáku: kde hledat pomoc (Ministerstvo zdravotnictví)

What does the Národní linka pro odvykání offer?

The line gives you free counselling by phone. It usually starts with an introductory call of about 45 minutes that maps your smoking history and how dependent you are, followed by a series of support calls as you go through quitting. Counsellors can also reply by email and offer a video call for the first session, and they can refer you to specialist tobacco-dependence centres when medical care is needed.

Source: Národní linka pro odvykání — Jak to funguje , Národní linka pro odvykání (chciodvykat.cz)

When can I call the Czech quitline?

The line on 800 350 000 is open every working day (Monday to Friday) from 10:00 to 18:00. Outside those hours you can write to the counsellors by email and they will get back to you. Video consultations are also available for the first appointment.

Source: Národní linka pro odvykání (chciodvykat.cz) , NZIP — Závislost na tabáku: kde hledat pomoc (Ministerstvo zdravotnictví)

What are the tobacco-dependence centres and how do medicines fit in?

The Centra pro závislé na tabáku are specialist clinics, usually based within hospital departments, overseen by the Society for Treatment of Tobacco Dependence (SLZT). They offer diagnosis, behavioural counselling and pharmacotherapy such as varenicline, bupropion and nicotine-replacement therapy. The intensive treatment is covered by health insurance, and the quit line can refer you to a centre near you.

Source: SLZT — Centra pro závislé na tabáku , NZIP — Závislost na tabáku: kde hledat pomoc (Ministerstvo zdravotnictví)