For Sam, deciding to stop smoking came down to three important things: the cost, her health and her love of singing.
As a member of a cancer choir, smoking had increasingly begun to feel at odds with something that meant a great deal to her and she told us, “It doesn’t represent a cancer choir in a good light if you’re stood there smoking.”
Sam had tried to stop smoking before, but this time something was different – her mindset.
“I was determined this time. I was on a mission,” she says.
Unlike previous attempts, the decision had come entirely from Sam herself rather than following advice from a doctor or another healthcare professional. She believes this gave her a greater sense of control and, when she started her quit attempt, she felt around 95% confident that she could succeed.
Sam received support from Smokefree Sheffield and used Varenicline to help her quit. Although she found the medication helpful, she chose not to use it for the full 12 weeks.
“I made a conscious decision to stop early as I didn’t want it to be something else I relied on.”
Alongside the stop smoking medication, Sam says the support she received from her advisor played an important role, as did encouragement from her daughter. She particularly valued the relaxed and supportive approach of the service.
“The fact that it was relaxed and easy-going really helped. It was more structured and supportive than my previous attempts.”
Since becoming smokefree, Sam has noticed benefits she hadn't fully realised she was missing.
Singing is easier and she can now hold a note for much longer at choir. Food tastes better and everyday activities such as walking upstairs no longer leave her gasping for breath. There has also been a significant improvement in her asthma.
“My asthma is a lot better. I haven’t had to use my inhaler at all for the last 10 weeks. That alone makes your day seem brighter because you don’t need to keep stopping to use your inhaler.”
But some of the BIGGEST changes have been social.
Sam no longer has to leave friends or events to stand outside in the rain for a cigarette. Instead, she can stay involved, whether she's attending choir events or simply enjoying time with other people. For Sam, that feeling can be summed up in one word: freedom.
“I can join in with choir events and other social things. I don’t feel like an outsider anymore.”
Looking back, Sam says she has gained far more from stopping smoking than she ever expected.
Her advice to anyone considering making their own quit attempt is simple:
“You need to be in the right headspace to succeed.”
With determination, the right support and help from Smokefree Sheffield, Sam has found a new sense of freedom – and a stronger voice too. Congratulations on your quit Sam, you've done brilliantly!
* stock image used for illustration purposes.
