Stopping smoking is something I had tried before. Like a lot of people, I had more than one go at it over the years. Sometimes I managed for a while, sometimes I didn’t. Each time it knocked my confidence a little bit, and eventually I started to wonder whether it was something I would ever actually manage to do.
This No Smoking Day, I wanted to share my story. Not because it’s perfect, but because it shows that change is possible, even when it takes a few attempts to get there.
The Moment That Made Me Stop and Think
When varenicline became available again, I decided to try stopping smoking once more. Varenicline is a medication that helps reduce nicotine cravings and blocks some of the rewarding effects of nicotine in the brain, making cigarettes less satisfying while easing withdrawal symptoms.
Even then, I wasn’t completely confident. Previous attempts had left me worried that I would fail again.
Then something happened that really made me stop and think.
I saw a video of myself breathing. My breathing was shallow and seeing it from the outside had a real impact on me.
It really hit me.
In that moment it stopped being just about cigarettes. It became about my health, my family, and my quality of life. I started thinking about the future and wanting to feel better and live longer.
That was the moment that pushed me to keep going.
Breaking a Habit That Had Been There for Years
For me, smoking wasn’t just about nicotine. It had become part of my routine.
When I smoked. Where I smoked. Why I smoked.
One of the hardest things to break was the automatic hand to mouth habit. It was something I had done for years without even thinking about it.
There were definitely difficult moments. But with medication, support, and a change in mindset, I kept reminding myself why I had started.
And I kept going.
Support That Worked Around My Life
As part of my journey, I accessed the ABL Stop Smoking clinics, which run in partnership with Wirral Ways from our hubs in Birkenhead and Wallasey.
The partnership between ABL Health and Wirral Ways helps bring stop smoking support directly into local community spaces, making it easier for people to access help in a welcoming and familiar environment.
For me, the drop in format made a big difference. Because of work commitments, I needed support that could fit around my life rather than having to organise everything around appointments.
The clinics offered me practical advice as well as medication support, and encouragement from trained advisors who understand how challenging stopping smoking can be.
Having people around me who genuinely wanted me to succeed helped me through the tough moments.
Some people were surprised when I tried again, especially because I had tried before. But this time I was determined not to let that stop me.
With the right support in place, I was able to break habits that had been part of my life for years.
How Things Feel Now
Today, I can honestly say I feel really happy.
My breathing is less laboured, I no longer rely on inhalers, and I feel more confident about my future and my health.
Most importantly, I proved something to myself. Change really is possible.
My Advice to Anyone Thinking About Stopping
If I could share one message with anyone thinking about stopping smoking, it would be this:
“Give it a go. It doesn’t always work first time but never stop trying to stop. One day you just might surprise yourself.”
If You’re Thinking About Stopping Smoking
Through the partnership between ABL Health and Wirral Ways, free stop smoking support is available through clinics running from our hubs in Birkenhead and Wallasey.
The service is open, welcoming, and designed to fit around people’s lives. You can access advice, medication support, and encouragement from trained advisors who understand how difficult stopping smoking can be.
You can self refer online here: https://ablwirral.co.uk/professional-referral/
Taking that first step can feel difficult, but it could also be the start of something really positive. And as I found out myself, one day you might just surprise yourself.
Find out more about support to stop smoking here: https://www.wirralways.org.uk/stop-smoking-support/
Last Updated on 10 March 2026