Madison Addams, 47, from Alness, successfully stopped smoking in April this year and credits making his home smoke free as playing a big part in why he has managed to stay away from the cigarettes.
He said: “I have tried stopping before using Champix on one occasion and lozenges on another but I didn’t stick at it. I wanted to stop, especially as my wife successfully quit the first time round, so I was determined to keep trying.
“My Smoking Cessation Advisor had explained the Smoke-Free Home Challenge to me and I was more than happy to give it a go.
“At the beginning of April this year I went back to using Champix and also signed up to the Smoke Free Homes and Cars Project. I have not had a cigarette since the 20th April.”
The Smoke-Free Home Challenge involves smokers and non-smokers promising to make part or their entire home, and their car, smoke-free for themselves, their family and friends.
Mr Addams, who also cut out caffeine at the same time, explained that stopping smoking in the house before stopping completely has helped. He was a lot more positive about it and was actually looking forward to stopping smoking.
He said: “I didn’t go into it thinking I had to stop, I wanted to stop. I stopped making excuses as to why I wanted a cigarette and I see myself now as a non-smoker, not an ex-smoker.
“I’m really chuffed that I’ve done it and I don’t have to feel jealous of my wife anymore! I have more money in my pocket, I taste my food better and I just feel better in myself as well.
“If I had one piece of advice for people trying to stop smoking I would say stop smoking in the home before you tried stopping altogether. I can’t stress enough how much that helped me.”
Eve MacLennan, based in the Mid Highland Community Health Partnership (CHP), is the Smoking Cessation Advisor who supported both Mr Addams and his wife when they stopped smoking.
She said: “Having a smoke-free home is better for those around you as it stops them breathing in second hand smoke. It can also, as Mr Addams has proved, ultimately help you stop smoking completely.
“He has done very well and I’m pleased that creating a smoke-free home first worked so well for him.”
Anyone who’d like advice or a FREE Smoke-Free Homes pack to get them started can contact the Smoke-Free Homes line on: LO-CALL 0845 7573077 or speak to a health professional in their area.
If you would like help or more information to give up smoking, you can contact the Highland Smoke-Free Service on Tel: 0800 84 84 84 or e-mail susanbirse@nhs.net
