Deborah’s Story

“I smoked more when I was out, and drinking and smoking went hand in hand for me.  So, I decided to stop both.”

Singer Deborah Butler, from Newcastle, quit smoking after deciding to adopt a healthier lifestyle before turning 50.

She said: “I’d smoked since I was about 16 and back then I didn’t think about the long-term effects. As I got older, I smoked more when I was out, and drinking and smoking went hand in hand for me.  So, I decided to stop both.

“I felt it was the right time to quit, and I was determined to do it for good this time.”

The mum of one, knew she needed help to quit so asked her GP who referred her to Newcastle Stop Smoking Service for support.

“I knew I needed support to quit as I didn’t have someone to help keep me on track. It was really easy to get help from Newcastle Stop Smoking service. They put in me touch with an advisor, who was brilliant at keeping me motivated as she stayed in touch via regular text messages. The service also arranged for me to get nicotine replacement therapy at my local pharmacy – I used an inhalator for three weeks and it helped with the cravings.

“I’ve now been smoke-free for over six months and have a totally different lifestyle – I swim every morning before work, and I have much more energy. I also changed my morning routine, by buying myself some nice coffee and a cafetiere, so I enjoy having a relaxing cup of coffee in the morning rather than a cigarette.”

Having the right goals, and the right mindset can really pay off.

Deborah adds: I am the lead singer in the band The Odels and I’ve noticed that I have much more lung power when I perform, which is brilliant.

“My advice to anyone who is considering quitting smoking is to make sure it is the right time for you to quit. If you are not ready, then you won’t succeed. You have to be in the right mindset to quit. Be determined, don’t push yourself, give yourself a goal and get support from your local stop smoking service.”