Twelve weeks ago, Alex made a decision that changed everything. After years of heavy smoking and a deeply troubled relationship with alcohol, he walked into Turning Point ready to rebuild his life.
He was then referred to Feel Good Suffolk for smoking support, and today, he’s smoke-free, back in the gym with a free Feel Good Suffolk physical activity gym membership, saving money, and working towards getting his three children back.
His story shows that no matter how far you’ve fallen, recovery is possible.
A difficult journey
Alex’s relationship with alcohol and smoking began at 16, influenced by peer pressure and a desire to fit in. But over the years, it spiralled into something far darker. His drinking led to arrests, injuries, hospital visits, and ultimately, the loss of his family.
“The drink got so bad that I would end up getting arrested, hurting myself, taking overdoses, attacking people,” Alex explains. “Every time I drank, I did something wrong. I lost my whole family from it, my kids.”
His smoking was affecting his health too. By the time he hit his lowest point, Alex was homeless, had spent time in prison, and was sleeping outside in a tent. He’d lost contact with his three children.
The decision to change
But something shifted. After a month in prison and facing homelessness with nothing to lose, Alex realised he had a choice: continue down this path, or “buckle down and get myself sorted.”
“This was either gonna be what I am for the rest of my life, or am I gonna make this right,” he says simply. “I got sick and tired of it.”
His turning point came when he walked into Turning Point and saw Feel Good Suffolk’s advisor, Jeddaiah. Initially, Alex thought he’d just get a vape as a temporary measure before returning to cigarettes. But when Jeddaiah asked him why he wanted to quit, something clicked.
“She asked me, and I thought about my children,” he says. “I realised I was spending £50 a week on tobacco that was killing me. I was sick and tired of having no money. And I thought: this is good for my kids, and it’s good for me.“
Four months of progress
Over 12 weeks, Alex has transformed his approach to smoking. With support from Jeddaiah, he started with nicotine patches and a vape, gradually stepping down from higher strength to lower levels of nicotine products to reduce his nicotine dependency over time. He’s used breathing techniques, distraction strategies, and the encouragement of people who genuinely understand his struggle.
“The patches were brilliant,” he explains. “I was vaping 24/7, burning through loads of liquid. But once you have the patch on and keep vaping, you realise you’re getting too much nicotine, you get lightheaded and dizzy. So, the patches helped me realise I didn’t need to vape as much.” The vape is also considered to be less harmful than tobacco, but the patches helped him not to rely on the vape 24/7“.
The CO readings became a powerful symbol of his progress. Every time Alex blew into the machine, he’d see the numbers drop, a tangible reminder that his body was healing.
“I got a high off it,” he laughs. “I’d come in, blow, and go lower than last week. Those little milestones in your head are brilliant. I was like, yes! I’m doing really well.“
Now, Alex can go several hours without needing his vape, and he’s consciously working towards zero nicotine. He even caught himself recently thinking about reaching for his vape, then deciding to wait longer instead.
The impact on his health
The physical changes have been remarkable. Alex used to run down the high street and be breathless after just 100 yards. Now, he can run without struggling. His skin has improved, his teeth look better, and he’s joined a gym where he’s eating a keto diet and working on building strength.
But perhaps most importantly, Alex has regained hope.
“I feel so much healthier,” he says. “I can breathe in and I can run. My lungs feel clear. I feel really healthy again. Even going up the stairs is easier now.”
He’s also saving £100-£130 a week, money that used to go up in smoke. That money is now going into savings and supporting his new, healthier lifestyle.
More than just smoking
Alex’s story isn’t only about quitting smoking. Since connecting with Turning Point, he’s been offered a volunteering opportunity after he calmly talked down another client in crisis. He’s also joined an art group and is making meaningful connections with people who understand his journey.
“I do like helping people,” he says. “I can guide them to Jeddaiah and the team because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like.”
His ultimate goal is to attend family court and regain custody of his children so he can show them, through his own example, that change is possible.
“I couldn’t have done it without my kids,” he says. “If I didn’t have children, I probably wouldn’t be here. Now I can see myself living until 80, being happy, and seeing my grandkids.”
Alex’s advice
For anyone struggling with smoking or drinking, Alex’s message is clear and heartfelt:
“Look at the money you save. Think about your kids. Stop hanging around with people who pull you down. Take it day at a time, and go to Turning Point or Feel Good Suffolk; they’re amazing. They’ve got everything there for you. They’re supportive. They’re with you every step of the way. It’s never too far gone. You just need to catch it when you can.”
“I would advise it to anyone. I do tell people that are smoking. You should quit. They’ve got loads of different options. You can go down different routes if one doesn’t work for you, just be open and transparent about it. They can switch you over. It’s fantastic.” He adds.
Support that made the difference
Jeddaiah, Alex’s advisor at Feel Good Suffolk, explains the importance of the work:
“Alex came to us initially thinking he’d just use the vape temporarily before returning to cigarettes. But through our conversations about why he wanted to quit and his personal journey, combined with the CO readings showing his progress, he’s developed real willpower and commitment. It’s been amazing to see his transformation, from day one, when he had doubts, to now where he’s working towards zero nicotine and has even been offered a volunteering role. His story shows that with the right support; people can turn their lives around.”
Getting support
If you’re struggling with smoking or drinking, support is available. Turning Point offers free support for people working through substance use, and Feel Good Suffolk can help with quitting smoking, physical activity and weight management. Both services are there to meet you where you are, no judgment, just genuine support.
To refer yourself or someone you know, visit Turning Point and Feel Good Suffolk for support.
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