Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Behind UbiQUITxt™? The Schroeder Institute® for Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative provides the UbiQUITxt smoking cessation text messaging program. Truth Initiative is a national public health organization that is inspiring tobacco-free lives and building a culture where all youth and young adults reject tobacco.
Why is the program named UbiQUITxt? Our text messaging program is designed to help smokers quit anytime, everywhere. It’s a play on the word “ubiquitous,” which means “existing or being everywhere.”
Who can use the UbiQUITxt text messaging program? This program is designed for current smokers who are interested in quitting, who are age 18 and older and who have a mobile phone with text messaging capacity.
What is the cost of UbiQUITxt? There is no cost to you to sign up for the UbiQUITxt program. However, depending on your text message plan, there may be message and data charges for you to send and receive text messages. If you do not have an unlimited text messaging plan, contact your mobile phone company for text message rates. Please remember that you, and not UbiQUITxt or Truth Initiative, are responsible for your text messaging charges.
What do the messages say? The text messages provide motivation and encouragement to quit smoking, guidance on setting a quit date, and helpful tips and strategies to make it through quit day and beyond. A few example messages from UbiQUITxt are below:
“UbiQUITxt: What makes you want to smoke? Stress? Boredom? Drinking? Write down your top 3 smoking triggers. Knowing them is the only way to avoid them!
“UbiQUITxt: Your dog, cat, bird, or iguana can get sick & die from 2nd hand smoke. It sinks into fur, feathers, eyes, & skin. Think again before lighting up.”
“UbiQUITxt: Now that you're smokefree, consider making other positive health changes - maybe getting in shape, flossing more, getting quality sleep.
Some of my messages refer to a website called BecomeAnEX.org. What is this and how is this connected to UbiQUITxt? BecomeAnEX.org is a free smoking cessation website run by Truth Initiative, the same organization behind UbiQUITxt. The website offers evidence-based smoking cessation information, advice, and support through a large community of current and former smokers. We encourage UbiQUITxt users to also take advantage of BecomeAnEX.
How long does the program last? You will begin receiving messages as soon as you sign up with UbiQUITxt. Depending on when you set a quit date, you will receive messages 2-4 weeks prior to your quit date and for 6 weeks after your quit date. You will also receive a short message from the program at one, three, and six months after the program ends to see how you’re doing.
What information do I have to provide to sign up? You only need to provide your mobile number to sign up with UbiQUITxt. It’s that easy!
What if I want to start over and pick a new quit date? If you want to pick a new quit date, simply text in a new date any time in a mm/dd format (like 06/27 for June 27) and we will reset your quit date.
What if I change my mobile number? If you change your mobile number while you are enrolled in the UbiQUITxt program, you’ll need to sign up from your new phone and reset your quit date if you had one.
Will you ever identify me by my mobile phone number? UbiQUITxt will only use your mobile number for the purpose of the UbiQUITxt program—to send and receive the text messages you’ve signed up for or to assist you with any technical support that you request.
Will UbiQUITxt ever call me? UbiQUITxt will never call you. Your mobile number is used solely for the purpose of the text messaging program. Any information you provide will be kept confidential. No one else can or will contact you or try to sell you anything. Your mobile number will not be shared with any third party.
Can I “opt out” if I don’t like UbiQUITxt? Yes, you can opt out any time. Simply reply to any message with STOP and the messages will end.
I’ve “opted out” by texting STOP but I’m still receiving messages. How do I stop receiving text messages?
We’re sorry this is happening! Make sure you text only the word STOP. Some common problems include the following:
If none of these issues apply to you and you are still unable to opt out by texting STOP, please contact us at help@ubiquitxt.org for technical support.
Still have questions? Contact us at help@ubiquitxt.org any time.