EP Prevention Coalition's Text To Be An EX (T2BX) Program

Health Uses Text Messages to Help Teen Smokers Quit
The RI Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Program announced the launch of a new text message campaign aimed at helping teen tobacco users ages 18 and younger kick the habit. Text To Be An EX (T2BX) is a one-of-a-kind, two-way, customized text message cessation support and education intervention for teens.

Here's how it works: A teen first texts 'START' to 88206 to enroll. This begins a conversational, automated system to identify the teen's smoking habits. The subscriber's answers to questions like "What time of day do you smoke?" and "What type of tobacco do you use?" help the system deliver relatable, tailored messages. Having a craving? Text 'CRAVE' and the teen will immediately be sent a link to a humorous YouTube video or online meme to help distract them. A certified professional in tobacco treatment monitors the system throughout the day and messages subscribers personally when extra assistance is needed. Teens do not need parental permission to participate as only information and tips are given, and teens remain anonymous.

The innovative resource represents two years of research and development focused on the types of teen social identity groups that are most at-risk for tobacco use in Rhode Island. T2BX uses the Trans-theoretical Model and Behavioral Activation to motivate subscribers through the process of quitting and suggest productive alternatives.
T2BX can be found on Facebook too by visiting www.facebook.com/Text2BeAnEx For more info call the HEALTH Information Line at 401-222-5960.