October 3, 2023
Testimonials
Quitting smoking after 17 years of addiction — Anthony's testimony
What do smokers go through when they try to quit after 17 years of addiction? How do they manage to say goodbye to cigarettes? That's the secret Anthony reveals here in his moving account of how he managed to quit smoking.
It's often tricky for non-smokers to understand what it's like to struggle with addiction. It's an uphill battle, littered with obstacles, but that makes the victory all the sweeter! Anthony shares his story of quitting smoking with us to open up dialogue and motivate smokers who don't dare take the plunge to do so!
"When I smoked my first cigarette, I must have been 14."
When I smoked my first cigarette, I must have been 14. It was at an aunt and uncle's wedding anniversary. There were cousins and daughters there who were taller than me, and I wanted to follow them. I chained cigarettes together to do "like them", even if it was downright disgusting. It was the only way to be part of this group that looked so "cool". You're stupid when you're a teenager.
However, I didn't smoke again for years until I was 18. Finally, "grown up", I could do what I wanted. In the school playground with my friends, we toasted our first cigarettes. My parents had warned me to be careful: "You won't be able to do without them". "But no..." I replied. Big mistake. This addiction lasted 17 years...
"In the evening, I'd sometimes smoke the whole pack"
My daily consumption was a few cigarettes a day in the early years. But I quickly reached my "cruising speed" after 3-4 years of smoking 10 cigarettes daily.
In the evening, I even smoked the whole pack. I was an athlete, so I didn't feel any real effects for the first few years, but as I got into my thirties, my breath was getting shorter and shorter... It was high time to stop!
"The real turning point was the arrival of my son"
The actual trigger was the arrival of my son last September. "This is it!" I said to myself. I'd already tried to quit several times, notably after the birth of my daughter 4 years ago, but had failed. My wife had resumed smoking a few months after giving birth, and I had continued with her.
But now the time had come, I wanted to stop. I HAD to stop! Financially already, for my health, but also with regard to my children and my loved ones. I must admit that the electronic cigarette helped me, but in the end, it's been 2 months since I've touched a cigarette, and I don't miss it in the least! I can even "go out" with friends and family who smoke without a care in the world.
For the first few days, I had to maintain an iron discipline! There were many temptations (colleagues, friends, going out...), but it was, above all, the "daily habits" that were the hardest to overcome. The little cigarette after coffee, after meals, on leaving work... was challenging! But I was motivated, and the Kwit app helped me to stay on track and take on the various challenges.
How Kwit helped me quit:
I discovered the app on the App Store because it was well-rated. It could be an excellent ally to help me quit smoking for good. I saw the little challenges to be unlocked as a reward and a challenge to achieve! This app is perfect for maintaining a good level of motivation!
A little tip that helped me: the glass of water! I used to take something to eat (salty or sweet) before each cigarette to "cut the taste", but replacing it with a glass of water helped me cut the craving.
The Kwit app is very well done! Using it has helped me to motivate myself and take on the various challenges it sets! Set yourself achievable goals (every day has its little victory!) and reach them! Everyone can do it!
My new life without tobacco: "Since I quit, I've seen nothing but benefits"
Since I've quit, I've seen nothing but benefits: I've made considerable savings in a short space of time, I don't smell of tobacco anymore (saving on soap and Tic Tacs, too!), and I enjoy my loved ones much more (I was the last smoker among my friends and family, so the only one to go out for a smoke every time). I'm getting my breath back and feel I'm sleeping better. I cough less in the morning too.
In short, it's nothing but happiness! So thank you, Kwit!
Things to remember
Anthony's testimony shows us that the battle against addiction is made up of ups and downs but that the important thing is always to know how to get back up and never give up hope. Nothing is impossible!
So, like Anthony, take the plunge, and know that Kwit will always be there for you if you need a lifeline. Download Kwit!
Getting back on track after relapses — Dennis' story of how he said goodbye to cigarettes
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