Congratulations to David for proving its never too late to kick the habit and improving your overall health with the support of the NHS experts at Yorkshire Smokefree. We caught up with him to ask him about his experience.
What was your main reason for accessing service?
This is not the first time I’ve used Yorkshire Smokefree, but after slipping up and returning to my daily habits a year later I noticed that my health and ease of breathing had deteriorated significantly. I was very short of breath and day to day tasks were becoming somewhat difficult. I knew it was time to take action.
So when I received a text message from Yorkshire Smokefree inviting me back, I contacted the service again quickly.
Did you believe you could achieve 4 weeks Smokefree?
I didn’t initially but I’m now nearly five weeks smokefree, despite a brief relapse in the first few days, I’ve maintained my healthier lifestyle ever since.
Have you used stop smoking medication to help you quit?
From the experience I gained from my previous quit journey I knew that the 21mg patches and the 4mg nicotine gum (original) were what worked best for me, to hold cravings at bay.
How helpful did you find it?
I’ve discovered that what works is evolving with me all the time, I’ve found the patches a little more difficult to use this time, but the gum was a brilliant quick fix. Its really a case of customising the treatment to you, rather than being one size fits all!
Aside from medication, what else helped you stay smokefree?
Lockdown has helped me massively, I’ve been able to establish and maintain my quitting in a way previously I found impossible. The limited contact with other smokers and negative influences like large social gatherings and peer pressure has made it easy to listen to my own instincts, I’ve also been able to kick drinking. Double the benefits!
How did you access our services?
I accessed telephone and online support, there has been no interruption in the expert care I’ve received due to the pandemic, which has been a reassuring and pleasant surprise.
Has your health improved since you quit and if so, in what ways?
My breathing has improved so much! The daily tasks which used to be a struggle are now more than manageable, I’m no longer short of breath, puffing and panting or uncomfortable to the point where I feel I’m gasping for air.
My appetite has returned, so I’m ravenous come mealtimes - something that is new for me. I’m also buying nutritious and tasty food with the money I used to waste on cigarettes.
Has the current lockdown helped with your quit or has this made quitting harder?
Lockdown means I’m not around cigarettes and exposed to tobacco, which has allowed me to have a proudly smokefree home.
Although I have some small worries that lockdown ends I’ll be tempted back to my old ways especially once I’ve had a drink, but in reality, I know the tools I have gained will keep me strong going forward.
At this moment in time, I am questioning what I ever really got from smoking. Though its a habit I have struggled with all my life, all it gave me was empty pockets and decreasing quality of life.
I have made the decision that I will continue purchasing 4mg nicotine gum as this supports my quit and helps me feel comfortable, especially whilst I’m not able to get out and distract myself. The toolbox of healthy coping mechanisms I now have are there to be used, every day, for the rest of my life.
Overall, the lockdown and the current situation has facilitated and supported my smokefree status.
What advice would you give to others looking to quit like you?
Do it! No ifs, no buts, no doubts. Throw yourself in and reap the great changes.
If you feel motivated by David’s story and would like support in quitting, or to register for a Callback Request today.
