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Wouldn't have gotten this far without their help

Posted By ophiuchustr77

"Wouldn't have gotten this far without their help"

About: Smoke Free Hull

(as a service user),

I wanted to quit for my health and my children’s health, but didn’t have enough will to do so. Emma was patient and understanding of my situation and offered positive, kind words on every call. 

I did not do well for the first two weeks. I managed to cut right down to one a day which was a huge thing for me, I was not completely smoke free but I considered smoking as my stress reliever so I kind of needed it with my children. I stayed on the 15mg for the first 6 weeks as I had another slip over Easter. 

I think it would be better if the service was extended to help the with the passage to non-smoking as I am not confident for when my patches finish, and think I may have needed to be on the 10mg a little longer. I believe another 4 weeks would increase my chances of staying smoke free massively. I am going to try my absolute best to stay smoke free but it is a psychological matter and a bad day can ruin everything. 

I am grateful for the service and the  patience shown to me to help me through the days I felt I failed which happened a lot at the beginning of the journey. 

To this day in certain situations it is still taking a lot of will even with a patch on. I am feeling slightly positive I will manage it but I know I wouldn’t have gotten this far without their help. Almost 6 weeks smoke free with one slip up and I am proud of my self!!

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Responses

Response from Ali Truman, Marketing Lead and Service User Engagement, Stop Smoking Service - Hull & Newcastle, Change Grow Live 2 weeks ago
Ali Truman
Marketing Lead and Service User Engagement, Stop Smoking Service - Hull & Newcastle,
Change Grow Live

Submitted on 26/04/2024 at 10:02
Published on Care Opinion at 10:02

picture of Ali Truman

Hello ophiuchustr77,

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback, and it sounds like you have done very well on your journey. We understand stopping smoking is very hard, and people can have a slip up, the important thing to remember is to keep trying - which you did!

We always tailor our support to the individual, and some people need extra support in coping with their cravings which is why the treatment programme can be 8 - 12 weeks. We understand stress can play a huge part of it too, but try and remember that smoking actually increases your stress and anxiety.

I would suggest speaking with your Advisor about the strength of your NRT and if you need a little more time, Emma will also be able to give you advice on coping with stress as well. Or you can find out a little more here: www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/find-advice-info/health-and-wellbeing/smoking/stress

Congratulations on being smokefree for 6 weeks, that's such a great achievement already.

Best of luck with the rest of your journey, we believe in you!

The SmokeFree Hull Team

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