Brought to you by HSE.
Jack Kelly (20) is from Ballinasloe in Co Galway and he’s been smoking since he was 16. Jack has given up cigarettes for the New Year and he’ll be writing a “quitter’s diary” for JOE over the next six weeks to describe exactly what it’s like to quit smoking.
Smoking is bad for me!
Sorry, I just need to remind myself why I’m doing this every once in a while. Do I seem a bit frantic? Well, that’s because it’s been nine days since my last cigarette.
Don’t worry though. I’m sure all the best drama, tears, moments of clarity and general breakdowns are yet to come.
My name is Jack Kelly and I’ve been chosen from hundreds, thousands, millions maybe, to be the “Nation’s Quitter.” I don’t know, I’m just trying to big myself up (I need all the enthusiasm I can get).
I’ve been inhaling chemical toxins since the tender age of 16. I basically want to quit as I enjoy breathing because it keeps me alive, as I’m sure you do too. Join me on our quest to healthier lungs and cleaner skin, the latter clearly being the main incentive.
“If you quit once, it becomes a habit. Never quit!” A famous quote from Michael Jordan. Yeah.
In this circumstance, I don’t think it really helps me and my fellow quitters but I’m seriously craving nicotine so that’s the best I can do, okay!
I’m from the small town of Ballinasloe in Co Galway. Yes, a small town with more pubs and Supermacs than people, and proud of it thank you very much! Going for “a few” pints with THE LADS is near impossible, and with pints comes “casual smoking” or, in my case, smoking as much as is socially acceptable. I feel like that will be the biggest smokey hurdle throughout this six week process.
“No lads, I’m fine. Yeah don’t worry, I’ll mind the jackets…”
My top tip is to go out with them, bring your pint, and enjoy the fresh air while they give their lungs that sexy blackened look.
I hope my opinions on this entire journey (yes I just referred to this as a journey. I hate myself too) can give you all an insight into the real struggles a quitter has to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Use me as a guide, as I’ll be using you, asking for advice and the struggles you’re all dealing with.
Let’s take on nicotine as a nation, let’s smell and look better and – most importantly – have more money to buy the important things… beer, let’s be honest. One addiction at a time, people.
Here at QUIT, we have found that getting the right help and support will double your chances of success. If you combine this with Nicotine Replacement Therapy, NRT for short, then you double your chances again – making you four times more likely to QUIT smoking. There’s loads of help at www.quit.ie, from personalised plans to inspiration to live chats. If you want to talk to an advisor about quitting or to find out about your nearest HSE stop smoking service, call the HSE QUIT Team on 1800 201 203 or FREETEXT QUIT to 50100.
Start today and be someone’s Quit Hero tomorrow.
Brought to you by HSE.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
