How quitting with Stop Smoking Service transformed one man’s life
Stoptober is back, calling on smokers to join the 2.5 million others who have tried to quit with the campaign previously.
When you stop smoking good things start to happen – quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily and give you more money to spend.
That’s what happened to John*, from Wirral, who sat down with us to talk about his journey to ditch smoking for good.
John, who has lived in Wirral since 2017, was a heavy smoker having started in his teens.
John, age 37, said:
It started out as me stealing my Dad’s cigarettes. To be honest, I hated it at first but it soon morphed from a habit to a routine. Before I knew it, I was buying them in the shops for myself even as a teenager - I think shops were less strict with ID back then. I became addicted straight away.
John continued to smoke for around 25 years, smoking upwards of 40 cigarettes a day. Over time, the effects on his health were plain to see.
John said:
I count myself pretty lucky in not having lung problems at this age after smoking so much for so long. When I was younger I didn’t care, I was smoking constantly. Eventually, I started to feel breathless when walking my dog and I couldn’t keep up with my running like I used to. I knew I needed to do something.
Smoking doesn’t just affect your physical health – it can affect other parts of your life too. Speaking about these impacts, John said:
It impacted me financially of course. I was spending £36 on a pouch of tobacco and going through that in around three days. So, each month that’s about £400 – it’s an expensive habit and it adds up.
And it affected me mentally. I used smoking as a coping mechanism when I was stressed or anxious. But it was an unhealthy way to deal with those things.
Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it's much easier to go smoke-free with the right help. John accessed Wirral’s Stop Smoking service, ABL health. Now, after a few attempts, John has been smokefree for 1.5 years and counting.
John said:
I tried to quit on my own at first but it didn’t stick. I needed some support. I tried vapes and patches. Eventually I found the stop smoking service online, they were really helpful. The lady who supported me was really switched on, non-judgemental and reliable – she sent resources out to me really quickly. The support was all over the phone which fitted with my lifestyle. I can’t recommend them enough.
How has quitting smoking impacted John’s life? Massively, he says.
John said:
It’s affected everything. I save a lot of money. I’m not waking up every morning coughing and spluttering. My lung capacity feels like it’s doubled, my stamina is back.
It’s better for the people around me, and my dog too. I also don’t miss the smell on my clothes and fingers, I hate that smell now!
His advice to other smokers looking to make the change?
John said:
Try and find what triggers you to want to smoke and use distraction techniques. Some people need to hold something in their hands, cocktail sticks and chewing gum have helped me.
Another important thing is finding new ways to manage your stress that aren’t smoking – exercise is a good one, if you’re able.
And finally, focus on the positives of what quitting smoking will add to your life. There’s so much to be gained by just doing it.
Looking to quit smoking?
Free, local support from health experts at Wirral's Stop Smoking provider, ABL Wirral, is available to anyone who wants to cut out cigarettes and stop smoking. You can call the service for support on 0151 541 5656 or visit www.ablhealth.co.uk. You can also free text ‘ABL’ to 60777 for free advice and support.
Smokers who are ready to quit can visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ to learn more about the support available to them.
*John’s name has been changed.
