Richard* successfully quit smoking with the support of advisors at Smokefree Sheffield. Here's what he had to say about his quit journey...
Hi Richard and congratulations on your quit! What were your reasons for contacting the service?
After having stopped smoking previously I had become a daily user of nicotine pouches. I found my use was always increasing, leading to experiencing negative symptoms and making me concerned for my health long term. My partner wasn’t too keen on the habit either!
Have you stopped smoking / using nicotine pouches previously?
I had stopped smoking previously but had fallen back into nicotine addiction via nicotine pouches. I had tried to quit the pouches cold turkey on two occasions but failed both times.
Before your first appointment, did you believe you would be successful?
I was skeptical I could quit nicotine pouches as I was on such a high daily dose of nicotine and had found it so difficult when I tried quitting cold turkey before, particularly making it through the work day.
Did you use stop smoking medication to help you quit?
I used prescribed nicotine patches through Smokefree Sheffield.
How helpful did you find the Nicotine Patches you were prescribed?
Massively helpful - they eased the shock of quitting the high level of nicotine I was on and made the symptoms more manageable, which massively benefited my work and personal life. Being on a phased decrease in nicotine mg over a stretched out period of time, with check-ins with my advisor Yasmin, meant I had a clear and achievable plan to gradually wean off nicotine and I haven’t had a nicotine pouch (or even really thought about them!) for months now.
Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit?
Having the accountability and reassurance of regular check-is with my advisor was a big extra help. Yasmin was really friendly, positive, and knowledgeable, with lots of helpful tips including using chewing gum and regular exercise (which was also really important through the process!)
What do you like the most about no longer using nicotine pouches?
Too much to mention! I like not having to worry or think about when and where my next nicotine fix is coming, I feel better physically and mentally (despite worrying I’d feel worse!) and the savings from not buying nicotine pouches doesn’t hurt.
Has your health improved since your quit and if so, in what ways?
My oral hygiene has noticeably improved, and I feel less anxious and prone to a racing heart.
Other than health, have you achieved anything since quitting that you couldn’t do whilst using the pouches?
I think just proving to myself that I could continue to live my life and get work down without needing nicotine as a crutch, feels like a big achievement to me!
What have you found helpful whilst accessing Smokefree Sheffield service?
I am hugely grateful that the service was able to offer free prescribed nicotine patches even though these are not normally given for quitting nicotine pouches. It really made a difference, both not having the extra cost (patches are surprisingly expensive!) and feeling like I had a real opportunity to quit that I wanted to make the most of. Thank you!!
Richard, your advisor Yasmin is incredibly proud of you! You've worked so hard to quit the pouches and the entire team wishes you the very best. Congratulations!
* stock image to protect client's identity.
