#United States #Washington #Truth Initiative #EX Program #nicotine quit

'You Got This Day': A Fresh Start for Young Quitters

On January 9, 2026, the Truth Initiative is set to transform 'Quitter's Day' into an empowering moment aimed at motivating and supporting young people who have struggled with nicotine addiction. Titled 'You Got This Day', this initiative is designed to inspire those who relapsed after making New Year's resolutions to quit nicotine, highlighting the importance of community support and proven methods in achieving quitting success. Falling on the second Friday of the new year—often deemed 'Quitter's Day'—the Truth Initiative seeks to reframe this narrative by offering free, evidence-based resources through their EX Program, in collaboration with Mayo Clinic.

Targeting Young Adults

The statistics surrounding nicotine addiction among young adults are concerning. Data show that the average smoker makes approximately 11 attempts to quit before they succeed permanently. A significant percentage of current e-cigarette users aged 15-36 indicated they attempted to quit in the past year. Unfortunately, many face challenges because of insufficient support and a lack of strategy, as quitting “cold turkey” has a low success rate—only about 3-5% manage to remain smoke-free for six months. In contrast, access to counseling and medically-supported quitting methods can significantly increase the likelihood of quitting successfully.

Truth Initiative's recent studies reveal a strong desire among young adults to overcome their nicotine dependence. Nearly 70% of nicotine users aged 18-24 expressed intentions to quit this year. Their main motivators are improving their mental and physical health. However, the ongoing prevalence of nicotine products, especially among younger demographics, raises concerns. For example, existing data indicates that the use of nicotine products among 12th graders has risen sharply, reflecting a trend that is troubling in terms of public health.

Growing Dependence and Innovative Support

Today's nicotine products are increasingly more addictive, presenting higher concentrations that can lead to stronger dependencies. Research indicates that disposable e-cigarettes have tripled in strength and decreased in price dramatically since 2017, making them more accessible, especially to younger audiences. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 5 young adults (ages 18-24) are at risk of developing long-term nicotine addiction.

In response to this growing crisis, the Truth Initiative emphasizes community and support as critical factors in cessation efforts. Young people, who often lead the movement in quitting nicotine, have been documented sharing their quitting journeys on social media platforms, helping to break the stigma surrounding cessation. The Truth Initiative's Quit Collective brings together influencers who share authentic experiences to motivate peers. This has translated into nearly 2,000 enrollments in the EX Program weekly since its launch.

An innovative approach includes the recently developed Snapchat AR lens, '30 Day Challenge', aimed at encouraging peers to see if they can go a day without nicotine, thereby fostering a sense of community and accountability. The lens integrates messages from the EX Program and reflects the creators' experiences with nicotine use, emphasizing the communal aspect of quitting.

Resources Available for Support

In addition to initiatives surrounding 'You Got This Day', the Truth Initiative provides ongoing access to the EX Program, an effective, evidence-based cessation program that enables personalized plans, interactive messaging, and peer community support. The program, proven to enhance the likelihood of successfully quitting nicotine by up to 40%, serves the majority of young participants, with 93% seeking to quit vaping.

Moreover, the Outsmart Nicotine campaign complements these efforts, educating young people about addiction, strategies to manage cravings, and celebrating the smaller victory milestones on their quitting journey. Through relatable, targeted messages, the campaign reinforces the idea that perfection isn’t necessary on the path to quitting—just genuine support and unwavering determination.

For anyone inspired to refresh their quit journey on this significant day and beyond, the Truth Initiative encourages visiting exprogram.com or texting EXPROGRAM to 88709 for complimentary, effective support.

About the Organizations

Truth Initiative is a prominent nonprofit aimed at reducing youth and young adult nicotine addiction, focusing on empowering individuals to quit through evidence-based methods and community support initiatives. The EX Program represents a significant leap toward assisting individuals in overcoming addiction, having helped millions establish the skills and confidence to quit. Their mission continues to inspire healthier communities and a nation free from nicotine dependence.