Mick (60 years old) and Josie (58years old) started smoking as
young teenagers and were smoking between 20 - 30 cigarettes each by
the time they came to the clinic for help and support. Mick
had tried to stop smoking several times on his own, cold turkey,
but had never been successful. He was convinced that quitting
smoking was what he needed to do but he would need help and support
to do it.
Josie had never tried to quit before and felt very nervous about
coming to the clinic but she felt so strongly about wanting to
support Mick she plucked up the courage to contact the
service.
They went through the seven-week treatment programme together,
supported by the specialist advisors and others member of their
group. They both used patches to help with the cravings and
withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
They put their success down to being determined, attending the
clinic and going through it with other people so not feeling alone,
using patches 'which were great' said Mick. Having their
carbon monoxide readings taken each week to monitor their progress
and having the support from the group and the specialist advisors
was brilliant.
Mick said, 'the companionship of the group helped, being there
each week and thinking to myself, if they can do it so can
I'.
'The whole programme was great; it just made sense what the
advisors were saying. And the support doesn't stop after the
seven-week treatment programme we were invited every month to a
support group and at the last one we received our certificates,
which will be framing and definitely hanging on the
wall.
Josie said, ' I went through hell and back when Mick was in
hospital, it was awful, very stressful and I never smoked, so if I
can get through that then I can cope with anything'.
They are both feeling and looking better, they are very proud of
themselves and each other and they are looking forward to having
more time to spend with their grandchildren.
