The Central New York Regional Tobacco Health Systems is reminding smokers of options that may help them quit.

Doctors can provide a range of support and treatment for quitting including counseling, a prescription for medications including the patch, gum, lozenges and medications to address cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and referrals to other services and support, according to a release from the group.

In addition to your doctor, the New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a free and confidential service that provides effective services to New Yorkers who want to stop using tobacco. The Quitline is available at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or www.nysmokefree.com.

Those who have Medicaid Managed Care Health Plan, should review coverage for stop smoking medications. Some plans cover all costs and others require a copayment. The use of approved stop smoking medications at least doubles a tobacco user’s chances of successfully quitting, the release says.

According to the Surgeon General, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases and reduces the health of tobacco users in general.

Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases. Those who quit smoking, regardless of their age, are less likely to die from smoking-related illness. Research has shown that quitting by age 30 reduces a person’s risk of dying due to a smoking-related disease by more than 90 percent and quitting by age 50 reduces a person’s risk of dying prematurely by 50 percent, the release says.