Victoria from Lowestoft smoked 15 cigarettes per day, on and off for 40 years. She had tried quitting numerous times in the past, using different methods every time, but she had never accessed specialist support. After her husband saw a post on Facebook for a Feel Good Suffolk stop smoking group in their local area, they both decided they would quit together with the support of our local advisor, Liz.
“It was the beginning of the year, and we had both been talking about making changes to our lifestyles, so when we saw the ad it just came at the right time.
For me, my smoking had started at 12 years old! Back then, it was just the norm for kids to smoke over on the playing field. It was just one or two, but as I got older it creeped up to about 10 a day in my 20’s and then eventually I found myself smoking between 10-15 per day. I never really considered myself a heavy smoker, but I had smoked for a long time – most of my life.
I used to think I don’t really smoke that much, so what’s the harm but I have grandchildren and I don’t want them seeing me smoke – I don’t want it to be a part of their world, so for that reason and for my health, after 40 years it really was time to stop for good.”
Victoria had tried various treatments to help her to stop in the past, but when they hadn’t worked for her she never had anyone to turn to for advice on what to do so she found herself going back to the cigarettes, however this time around she tells us it was the support from Liz and the group that made all the difference.
“With attending a stop smoking group, you sort of feel accountable to everyone else there, as well as yourself and your advisor. You are going every week and there is a purpose to it, plus you hear about other people’s experiences. Some people had been smoking up to 40 a day, and when you hear that they have managed to stop, it makes you think you can do it too.
Liz of course was brilliant too. I could talk to her whenever something wasn’t going well. In fact, my treatment wasn’t working well for me initially, so she worked with me to change the approach which got me back on track. I also found the carbon monoxide readings really helpful too as I could see those short-term improvements to my health. When you quit on your own, you do not feel the benefits right away so having this machine was great.
This time I have stopped for good. I have been quit for over six months, and I think there has only been one time where I actually thought, ‘oh yeah, I wouldn’t mind a cigarette’ but it lasted for a split second and that’s the difference this time. It has been a major breakthrough. “
Since quitting Victoria no longer coughs and she said she’s really noticed the difference on her bank balance as she is no longer in her overdraft! She now plans to take further steps in improving her health and wellbeing by attending the Lowestoft Healthy Hearts programme to help her manage a healthier weight and become more active which she hopes will continue to support her to reduce her blood pressure.
“Before joining I was sceptical, especially after trying to quit so many times before. I thought why would this approach be any different, but it will be the best thing you’ve ever done – it’s the best thing I have ever done and it’s the reason I am now able to go on to do other things like the healthy hearts programme.”
If you want to stop smoking with our specialist advisors, sign up today by completing out online referral form at www.feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk/make-a-referral/
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