The Butt Stops Here

There are many reasons to quit smoking. Family. Health. Pets. Finances. Whatever your reason, whenever you are ready, quitting is not easy. That’s where we can help.

What is the Butt Stops Here Program?

The Butt Stops Here (BSH) is an award-winning community smoking cessation program developed by St Peter’s Health Partners in 2001. It provides a dynamic, step-by-step guide to quitting. Over the decades, the BSH has helped many thousands in the greater Capital District – and beyond – to break free from nicotine dependence.

How does the program work?

The BSH offers a combination of group support, education, coaching and supplies. This includes a workbook, relaxation exercises and assistance in obtaining a no or low-cost supply of nicotine replacement supplies, such as patches and gum.

The program runs over the course of seven weeks, with one 1-hour group session per week. Currently, each session is being run virtually via Zoom but in-person offerings are becoming available! Participants can log in using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The Butt Stops Here helps smokers:

Better understand nicotine dependence

Find ways to help them through the quitting process

Better understand nicotine dependence

Find ways to help them through the quitting process

Change their attitude toward smoking

Develop short-term and long-term skills to keep quitters from relapsing

Change their attitude toward smoking

Develop short-term and long-term skills to keep quitters from relapsing

Learn how NOT to smoke

Understand why there is no such thing as failure

Learn how NOT to smoke

Understand why there is no such thing as failure

BSH groups are led by skilled facilitators, many of whom are previous Butt Stops Here participants.

Where is The Butt Stops Here offered?

Currently, the BSH program is offered virtually via Zoom or in person.

St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP) offered on-site BSH programs at locations throughout the Capital Region prior to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, with the start of the coronavirus pandemic, SPHP began offering BSH in a virtual (on-line) format. In the future, SPHP may once again be able to offer in-person programs. Our partners at Ellis Medicine offer in person BSH programs.

HOW DO I VIEW AND REGISTER FOR UPCOMING BSH PROGRAMS?

CLICK HERE to find BSH programs offered by SPHP

CLICK HERE to find BSH programs offered by Ellis Medicine

No one was born a smoker.
People had to learn how to smoke.
You can learn how NOT to smoke!

Testimonials

I became much more aware of my smoking habits, my triggers, what it’s done to my body… and how much it controlled my daily activities. What a waste of time and money.

It’s all about me changing my patterns. I asked my followers on Twitch to encourage me to not smoke for at least an hour at a time.  

Cigarettes are not wanted or needed in my life any more.

The meetings themselves were very helpful and inspiring, especially listening to other stories, their slips and successes. 

I realized I can live without cigarettes.

The best part of the program was the positivity of everyone!

We learned many different techniques, and could discuss what was working and what wasn’t. Most importantly, people encouraged me not to quit trying when I had a slip up. 

One word of advice: quitting has to be about oneself. It must be for yourself.

I am five weeks as a non-smoker and it feels great. Words cannot express my appreciation. 

I wish all the group participants a SMOKE-FREE LIFE!