The life of a Stop Smoking Advisor

Paul, who works at Leeds Teaching Hospital,
tests his carbon monoxide levels at a recent
Stoptober event the team held at the hospital. 

When I tell people I'm a Stop Smoking Advisor, they tend to react in one of three ways: firstly, surprise and interest; secondly 'So you're the sergeant major?'; thirdly, 'What a waste of time that is. People should just stop!'.  The first is very gratifying, the second slightly irritating and the third highly annoying.

People are often surprised. It is a different kind of job, helping smokers to disentangle themselves from a substance at least as addictive as heroin that they have unintentionally, and quite legally, woven into a poisonous web that affects the very fabric of their lives.

The fact is - it's a fascinating job.  I meet people of every age, educational background and culture.  I see some of them struggle against enormous odds to get rid of the habit that is literally trying to kill them.  There are individuals who find it incredibly easy to stop smoking and wish they'd done it two decades sooner, and those who simply can't imagine a life without cigarettes.  It never ceases to amaze me is the sheer guts and determination of so many people to set themselves free from their addiction.  Not everyone succeeds, but many do.  And when they turn the corner, perhaps after numerous attempts, their pride in their achievement is a joy to see.  For some, even people in their 50s and 60s, the simple congratulatory document that we present to them is the first certificate of any kind that they have ever received.

In future blog posts,  I hope to give a flavour of what our day-to-day work entails.  No two days are ever the same.

Smokers who come to sessions run by the Stop Smoking Service are 4 times more likely to quit cigarettes for good than if they try to do it on their own.  We also help people to stop using other forms of tobacco such as smokeless (chewing) tobacco like paan and gutkha, and shisha (waterpipe).

We are a team of friendly, experienced proffessionals who are here to help people give up tobacco.  Together with the Healthy Lifestyle Service, we currently run 46 weekly Stop Smoking sessions around Leeds.

To access support, or for more information, ring Leeds NHS Stop Smoking Service on 0800 169 4219 or check out  your nearest clinic here.  At some clinics no apointment is needed, you can just come along.

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Stop Smoking Advisor