3 Years On !!

[nsd_user663_3964]

Who'd have thought when my husband and I decided to quit "the weed" 3 years ago that we would still be alive to tell the tale - and still married (to each other !) ??

Not our families that's for sure!

Our first big mistake was not getting any help or support - we went "cold turkey" which for people who have been smokers for 30 & 40 years respectfully was a pretty dumb thing to do.

After the first week, we were growling and spitting at each other like prize fighters and thought we ought to find something to distract us so, we joined a local gym and have now swapped our old addiction for a new one !

After 3 years minus the weed and changing our lifestyles, we are fitter, slimmer and healthier than ever before.

It wasn't easy but we persevered and there are still very rare occasions now when I get a craving but then I smell someone walking passed who has been in a "smoking zone" and I feel proud of what we have achieved.

I am now a registered smoking cessation adviser and give help and support where I can to those who need it.

Taking the first step is one of the hardest things you may ever do but remember that you are one of many starting the journey and you are not alone !!

[nsd_user663_3633]

Awesome - fantastic to see someone (some people!) succeed so hugely.

And thanks for coming here and showing us all the way forward

[nsd_user663_3816]

wow!! what a fantastic achievment you have both come so far.

You are both inspirational and just what we need to keep us spurred on, thank you for taking the time to come on here and let us know

Denise

xx

[nsd_user663_3845]

You are officially the COOLEST person on this forum not only for your 3 year quit but for helping others beat the addiction.

And to think most of us probably started smoking to look cool (doh smiley)

[nsd_user663_1733]

Well done to you and hubby.xxxx

[nsd_user663_3687]

thats fantastic!! well done! an inspiration.

may i ask where and how you got involved in being a cessation advisor? its something i have thought about as i would like to do it maybe next year as i feel inspired to help people want to quit now! when i looked into it though it appeared that you have to be a qualified nurse to do it..is this the case? x

[nsd_user663_3838]

Wow!

I bow down in admiration!! Well done that's a brilliant story

[nsd_user663_3554]

First post 3years,congrats to you both................

[nsd_user663_3964]

Caring & Sharing

thats fantastic!! well done! an inspiration.

may i ask where and how you got involved in being a cessation advisor? its something i have thought about as i would like to do it maybe next year as i feel inspired to help people want to quit now! when i looked into it though it appeared that you have to be a qualified nurse to do it..is this the case? x

Thanks for your reply, hopefully stories like mine will inspire people to persevere and feel the benefits of their achievements both in their bodies and pockets !

In answer to your question regarding becoming an advisor - you do not necessarily need any formal nursing qualifications. Our local NHS smoking cessation spe******t service provides courses free of charge (some areas may charge approx. £75.00). We have 2 courses available :

• Smoking Cessation Training Level 1 - A half day training session for people who wish to raise the issue of smoking and encourage smokers to seek help.

• Smoking Cessation Training Level 2 - A two day training session for people who have completed Level 1 training and who wish to provide a 6 week programme of one-to-one support for smokers who want to quit.

I did the 2 day course and now provide a 1 to 1 service for our workforce.

Give it a whirl, becoming involved gives you the encouragement and strength to carry on beating the weed, you meet some fab people who may have also beaten the demon and you can help and support each other if times get tough.

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hello

May I say that I think you are both an inspiration to us all

THREE WHOLE YEARS QUIT WOW