Robert and Sheri Swilley
How they quit smoking with the WK Tobacco Treatment Clinic
How much were you smoking previously?
Robert: I was at one point smoking 2 packs a day
Sheri: I was at one point smoking somewhat more, 2.5 to 3 packs a day. I wanted to quit but
just did not know how.
Why did you choose to quit smoking?
Robert: Wife support was big for me. Doing something like this together, it meant a lot to me.
Sheri: It was great having Robert by my side during this. Also, my reasons were definitely health, and I just wanted to enjoy cleanliness again. I am going to be a grandmother and I just felt like by getting rid of smoking would help me be a better grandparent and be a better example.
What was most helpful about the Tobacco Treatment Clinic?
Sheri: Being able to talk about things, talk things through. I never felt judged throughout this process which was big for me. I did not have to be perfect, it was ok to slip up. Things were on my timetable, and that put me at ease.
Robert: The nicotine replacement therapy medication helped out greatly, it was like putting “water on the fire”. The physical support of the nicotine replacement was very helpful and the emotional support from my wife and tobacco treatment specialist were very helpful as well.
What benefits have you received from quitting?
Sheri: I have saved much money from quitting, it was costing me $7-$8 a pack! I also breathe better now and will still look for further improvements with that.
Robert: I definitely have more energy. Also, I am just not a slave to it anymore. That freedom is special. I think I am also more patient, which I think is good as well.
Looking back, what did the addiction of smoking cause you to do?
Robert: It always seem to be, “let’s smoke before doing that”. I tended to procrastinate on things, maybe it was because I thought it would take me away from potentially smoking.
Sheri: You know, if I could not smoke, I became angry. I was an angry person, smoking caused me to be something I did not want to be. Also, I missed so many activities because I either had to go smoke during it all or just did not go to certain things if I knew I could not smoke. I missed some memories because of smoking.
Some say smoking helps out so much with stress and anxiety. What do you say?
Sheri: I used to think the same way, that is understandable. However, now, my stress level is nowhere near what it used to be. I am more calm. With smoking, I was always in a rush. Hurry to get done with something so I could go smoke, never could relax really. Now things are much better.
Robert: I used to think that too. But believe me, smoking causes anxiety. For smokers, it is definitely hard to see that, but once you do succeed in quitting, you will see the difference.
Are you proud of yourself now?
Robert: Yes, very proud. I just don’t think I have felt this good since age 14. I don’t have that “tar” feeling anymore
Sheri: Yes I am. I notice now, I am not last anymore. Anytime we went with friends or family, I was always last, trying to get one last smoke in, always last to come inside, always last to get into the car. I feel I am more part of my group of friends and we are more together as a family.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about quitting smoking?
Sheri: It is not easy of course, but with the tools from the WK Tobacco Treatment Clinic, it was a lot easier. Support from our tobacco treatment specialist was great, but spouse support is key as well and needed. Family support is one of the best tools.
Robert: Don’t overwhelm yourself. You don’t have to do everything all at once. Pace yourself. And yes, get help an assistance from the WK Tobacco Treatment Clinic and your family also.
