What were your reasons for stopping smoking?
I had tried giving up by reducing the number of cigarettes I was smoking and went onto a vape. But I started using the vape more and was still smoking. I felt the vape was always in use, and I wanted to stop both. So I called Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley for support.
Have you stopped smoking previously?
Yes, I smoked from the age of 14. I first stopped smoking for a while at the age of 19 but always went back to it.
Before your first appointment, did you believe you would be successful?
No, I thought I would give up! so I gave it a good try this time. I was stopping with my partner, which helped me keep on track; the thought of stopping was worse. But stopping smoking was easier than I thought it would be.
Did you use stop smoking medication to help you quit, and what did you use?
I tried the patches and the inhalator they worked very well.
How helpful did you find this?
They worked great for me.
Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit and stay smoke-free?
Changing my routine and not going to the smoking shelter.
What do you like the most about being a non-smoker / quit?
I like the fact we have more money, and I feel healthier. This was one of the main reasons we wanted to stop smoking; my health has become more important to me.
Has your health improved since you quit, and if so, in what ways?
I am going to the Gym 3 to 4 times a week now. Myself and my partner did a 5k run last week, and my lungs felt great.
Besides health, have you achieved anything since quitting that you couldn’t do while smoking?
I am more committed to taking care of myself. This is making me feel much stronger and fitter.
What have you found helpful whilst accessing the Yorkshire Smokefree service?
The commitment to the weekly calls: if I had any issues or questions, my advisor, Sarah, was always there to help. Also, quitting with my partner has been a massive help. We have kept each other going throughout our quit.
Could you quote us about your experience of becoming smoke-free that may help others take the same step?
It’s been the easiest way to stop smoking with the help of Yorkshire smoke-free Barnsley than doing it on my own.
