If you’re trying to quit tobacco or nicotine, you might feel shame, fear, hope, helplessness, or even deep disappointment. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re human.
We see it all the time: People push themselves to quit with everything they’ve got, but when quitting feels impossible, they blame themselves or feel like they’re not strong enough to do it. Here’s the truth—Willpower alone isn’t enough. Not because you’re weak, but because nicotine addiction rewires your brain and body. The emotional ups and downs are part of the process.
Let’s talk about some of the most common emotions people feel during their quit journey—and why they’re completely normal.
You might feel ashamed that you started using tobacco or nicotine the first place. Or ashamed that you can’t “just quit.” But here’s the thing: Shame has no place in your story. Nicotine is designed to hook you. It’s a product engineered for addiction, not a personal failure.
No one should feel shame for needing help. You deserve care, not criticism. Colorado QuitLine coaches offer free, confidential support that respects where you’re coming from—no lectures, no guilt.
Fear can creep in fast. Fear of failure. Fear of losing your coping skills. Fear of how hard it might get. You’re not alone in that.
Colorado QuitLine helps you face those fears with facts, not pressure. You can talk with a trained coach who listens, helps you plan, and sticks with you through setbacks.
Even through the hard parts, many people feel a burst of excitement when they picture life without nicotine. That spark matters. It means you believe in yourself. And you should.
Whether you feel hope at the start or further down the road, Colorado QuitLine helps you build on that momentum and reach the goals you care about—more energy, more time, more freedom.
When you’ve tried everything, it’s easy to feel stuck. But feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re done.
Helplessness shows up when people feel like they’ve lost control. But support puts you back in the driver’s seat. Colorado QuitLine doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all advice. You get a plan that fits your needs, your schedule, and your life.
Slipped up? Tried to quit before and it didn’t stick? You might feel like you’ve let yourself or others down.
Let us remind you: Quitting often takes more than one attempt. Most people try several times before it clicks. The Colorado QuitLine team knows how common setbacks are, and they’re ready to help you get back on track—without shame, without judgment.
Whether you’re quitting for the first time or the fifth time, your experience and emotions matter. And so does your progress. Colorado QuitLine gives you free access to:
You don’t need to “tough it out.”
You don’t need to feel bad for needing help.
You just need the right support.
Let’s take the next step—together.
Visit coquitline.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
We’ll meet you where you are.