Marco's story

Marco smoked for 33 years and tried to quit many times before successfully quitting with help from his doctor. This is Marco's story:

After a 33-year addiction to smoking, I embarked on my quitting journey fraught with multiple relapses. However, two months ago, a diagnosis of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) forced me to make a permanent change. I had been experiencing increasing breathlessness for six months, leading me to seek medical attention. Being diagnosed with COPD served as a stark wake-up call. 
 
Determined to regain my health, I turned to my doctor for guidance. He prescribed a quit medication. Surprisingly, it proved to be incredibly effective. Over time, my cravings diminished, and the taste of cigarettes became increasingly unappealing. Eventually, I found myself effortlessly abstaining from smoking. The medication also alleviated the mood swings that often accompany quitting, making the transition more manageable. 
 
My decision to quit was further reinforced by the diagnosis of cervical cancer in my partner two years prior. I had initially quit for eight months but relapsed. However, the fear of jeopardizing her health and wellbeing became an unwavering motivator.

This has been my experience with quitting smoking. I share it in the hope that it may inspire others facing similar challenges.

If you are struggling to break free from nicotine addiction, do not hesitate to seek professional help. There are resources available, and medications can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, it is never too late to quit smoking and prioritise your health and wellbeing. 

Want to quit?

Reaching out for support from Quitline, as well as speaking with your GP or pharmacist, can help you achieve your goal of stopping smoking and/or vaping. 

Quitline counsellors can offer you free advice and support to help you stop smoking and/or vaping. They will work with you to help you build and keep up your motivation, create a plan that works for you, and guide and encourage you along the way. Quitline counsellors can also support you if you are using vapes to stop smoking. 

There are multiple ways to get in touch with Quitline 13 7848, including by phone on 13 7848, the online request a callback form, WhatsApp and more. Hit the button below for more detail: 

Would you like to share your quitting story? Write to us at quit@quit.org.au

Last updated May 2024