Ric, 64 from Bruton, smoked 40 cigarettes a day for 42 years.
Although he often talked about quitting, he never found a reason strong enough to stop. Then one morning, feeling unwell and facing serious dental problems caused by smoking, he decided enough was enough.
Today, Ric is proudly smokefree and enjoying both the health and financial benefits of quitting.
Ric’s Story at a Glance
🚭 40 cigarettes a day📅 42 years smoking🦷 Quit because smoking was affecting his dental health💷 Now saving money every week
What was your reason for quitting?
For Ric, the biggest reason was his health.
Smoking had caused serious dental problems, including abscesses, gum disease and tooth loss. The impact on his teeth became a constant reminder of the damage smoking was causing.
I always said I wanted to quit, but I never really had a reason. Then one day I woke up feeling unwell and decided I was done.
What support did you use?
Ric’s quit attempt was unusual because he chose not to use nicotine replacement products, medication, apps or local stop smoking services.
Instead, he relied on determination and a strong belief in his ability to quit.
I believed I could do it, and once I’d made my mind up, I stuck with it.
The challenges
The biggest challenges Ric faced were dealing with the effects smoking had already had on his dental health and managing weight gain after quitting.
While the damage to his teeth was difficult to accept, it also helped strengthen his resolve to stay smokefree.
Life after smoking
Since quitting, Ric has seen significant benefits.
His dental health has improved, and he no longer has to deal with many of the issues caused by smoking.
He has also saved a considerable amount of money by no longer buying cigarettes.
Save the money you would have spent on cigarettes and use it for something meaningful.
Ric’s advice to others
If I can do it, so can you. But you must be in the right frame of mind to do it. A support group helps.
Ric’s story shows that it is never too late to quit. Whether you’ve smoked for a few years or several decades, becoming smokefree can bring benefits to your health, wellbeing and finances.
What’s your story?
Everyone’s smokefree journey is different.
Whether you’re thinking about quitting, cutting down, just getting started or have been smokefree for years, your experience could help inspire someone else to take their first step.
We’d love to hear your story. Share your journey with us by completing our Share your smoke-free journey form.
