Members of staff attempting to quit smoking this Stoptober share their stories

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in #ProudofDPT, News, Recovery and wellbeing on 14th October, 2020

Last week, Joanne, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for TALKWORKS, shared her inspiring and successful quit smoking story and explained all the positives which have come as a result of giving up smoking.

All great journeys start with a few small steps, and today, two members of staff currently undertaking Stoptober with the help of OneSmallStep, share the reasons for their quit smoking attempts and what they hope a life without cigarettes will bring.

Lizzie, Senior Community Mental Health Practitioner, says:

“I have been smoking 10 to 15 cigarettes a day for 25 years. Stoptober appealed to me as I have concerns for my health and I want to quit to be healthier. I’ve tried giving up before but I always cheated when I went out socialising.

"In my initial consultation with OneSmallStep we were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help with the withdrawal symptoms. I chose a Nicotine inhalator so that I have something to do with my mouth and hands.

“I’m hoping that I will have more energy and feel calmer once I have given up.

Our second member of staff says:

“I have smoked on and off since my early teens. I had a long break in smoking for about 10 years but then my Dad became ill and I spent a lot more time with my sisters, who smoke, and went from socially smoking with them to smoking daily.

“My smoking got worse during lockdown and I know it doesn’t sound a lot, but I was up to smoking 10 roll ups a day. It’s put me off going running because I am starting to get more breathless and I feel bad. I know the research says people are more successful at stopping smoking if they use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and a Stop Smoking Service so I thought I’d give Stoptober, and the support from OneSmallStep, a go. I know I do better at stopping things with support.

“I love running and doing exercise and it’s ridiculous to smoke. I feel guilty about smoking all the time and have been hiding it from my children. I feel bad for my husband that I stink of smoke when I go to bed. I really don’t want to get cancer!

“I have tried giving up smoking before and I was successful for ages. My sisters have now stopped smoking so I hope that it will help me to give up too.

“I’ve chosen the ice mint gum as my NRT. It’s familiar to me and means I can just use it in the evening when I would normally be smoking. My kids won’t notice either as I often chew gum to stop smelling of cigarettes.

“I’m hoping I will get out running more again once I have quit smoking! I know my gums have been damaged by my smoking too so I hope they will get healthier.

What happens when you quit smoking?

As the above stories show, health is often a huge factor in the reason many people choose to give up smoking. The below graphic from the NHS Stoptober website gives examples as to what happens when someone quits smoking for good. Improvements to your health can happen after just 20 minutes of stopping smoking. After 48 hours your sense of smell and taste is already improving and after one year, your risk of heart attack has halved compared to that of other smokers.

What help is available to help me quit?

There’s lots of free support available so you can find what works best for you. Whether that’s online or by having specialist support from a trained stop smoking advisor right here in Devon.

If you live in the Devon County Council area and would prefer to talk to someone, you can access free one-to-one support from a Specialist Stop Smoking advisor, either face to face (where possible), or on the telephone by contacting OneSmallStep on 01392 908 139, by e-mailing hello@onesmallstep.org.uk, or by texting the word QUIT to 60777.

OneSmallStep advisors can provide up to 12 weeks of support and will also provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT products, like patches and gum, will help manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms and your weekly support sessions with your stop smoking advisor will provide you with coping mechanisms, tips and tricks to make things a little easier, and encouragement and support if things get tricky.

For more tips, motivation and support follow OneSmallStep on social media:

• Facebook - One Small Step
• Instagram - One Small Step
• Free online Stoptober resources and support are also available including a Stoptober app, Facebook messenger, daily e-mails and Stoptober online communities. View the Stoptober resources.
• For information about smoking and vaping and the coronavirus read our leaflet here.

For those seeking help in the Torbay and Plymouth areas, please contact the services below:

• Torbay: Healthy Lifestyles Team on 0300 456 1006
• Plymouth: One You Plymouth on 01752 437 177