How Jamie quit smoking was by a chance meeting. He was fitting a fence in the garden of Wakefield Stop Smoking Advisor, Julia. Whilst they were chatting, she explained she helped people quit smoking and he thought he would like to try and stop.
Julia was working from home that day so arranged to chat with Jamie on his break. He explained he was smoking 20 roll ups daily and wanted to quit for his health. Although he is very fit with the work that he does and uses the cross trainer regularly, he wanted to keep his level of fitness up and protect his future health.
After discussing all the options to help quit, Jamie decided to try Varenicline, which helps reduce cravings and the withdrawal symptoms by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain. A bit skeptical, but hopeful, Jamie started the treatment while still smoking, setting a quit date of just over a week into the course. To his surprise, the cravings started fading and by the time his quit date arrived, he wasn’t thinking about his next smoke. The habitual urge during breaks turned into an occasional thought that quickly passed. He found it easier to focus on work, and his mood was more stable – something his co-worker noticed, who said “he was really proud of him”.
Within a few weeks, Jamie was breathing better and not getting out of puff walking up and down stairs. With weekly telephone appointments with Julia, he stayed on track with his quit and now as he looks back, he’s proud of how far he has come. Quitting smoking felt impossible for years, but with the right help, it became the best decision he ever made.
Well done Jamie - your advisor Julie is incredibly proud of you!
