Vermont Creates Online Game to Help Smokers Quit

Back in 1995, Join Together developed a fledgling web-based smoking cessation program. It eventually became an independent company, QuitNet.com, which may be the largest smoking cessation program in the world.

That’s why we’re especially glad when we see other public health advocates continue to innovate in this area.

Case in point: the Vermont Health Department is offering an online video game to smokers who want to quit, the Burlington Free Press reported Aug. 20.

The video game, called Khemia, features five difficulty levels and two styles of play: ?fast-and-furious,? and strategic. Its goal is to help smokers ?kill? their cravings while reinforcing traditional smoking cessation skills.

The game was created by the Vermont Health Department and Hoozinga Game Media. ?It definitely keeps your mind and your hands busy,? said Sheri Lynn, who directs the health department?s tobacco control program. Adults between 25 and 34 who want to quit smoking are the primary target.

Smokers can find the game at the Vermont Quit Network. They can also find other services on the site to help them quit smoking, such as support groups and forums, coaches, and nicotine replacement therapy.