Quitting tobacco is a journey. It may take several attempts before one can reach the goal. But millions of tobacco users worldwide have quit. They succeeded with the help of their family and loved ones, with the aid of evidence-based cessation services and medications, or just by themselves.
The Western Pacific Region is home to 386.5 million adult smokers, and five people die every minute from tobacco-related diseases. But many of these deaths can be prevented if current smokers are provided with appropriate support to quit. Tobacco cessation interventions are proven to increase the chances of successfully quitting.
This year’s World No Tobacco Day focuses on quitting tobacco. Globally, the campaign aims to encourage at least 100 million people to quit tobacco. In the Western Pacific Region, many smokers want to quit, but are struggling to do so. We invited former smokers to share their quit stories to show what affected their decision, what they went through and what eventually helped them quit.
Stories from the Region
Ho Chung Ryu, 55, Republic of Korea 
“I smoked for 36 years from the summer of 1984 until last year. I was a repeat examinee for the entrance exam back then, and because of my academic stress and the desire to become an adult, I started smoking.
My health concerns were the main reasons why I quit. There were times I suffered chest pain while sleeping at night. I feared of dying due to chest pain while driving. I committed to quit smoking also because I don’t like that tobacco makes the surroundings dirty, and cigarette smell is unpleasant to others.
I first tried to quit with the help of cessation services offered at the public health centre. They gave me nicotine patches, offered counselling and enrolled me in the mobile cessation services. After taking the prescribed medication, I was able to successfully quit for 6 months. But due to stress, I started smoking again. Last year, I joined an inpatient 5-day cessation camp operated by the regional smoking cessation centre. Being in a special environment where I was provided with cessation medication and health education and participated in various activities with my camp colleagues was helpful in my quit journey. And through continuous, 6-month counselling with a health professional, I succeeded in quitting.”
RT, 66, Iloilo, Philippines
“I started my quit journey in February 2020 due to COVID-19. I thought it was the right time to quit because I was afraid and not ready to die during the pandemic. It was hard at first, but with my willingness and determination, assistance from my pulmonologist and support from my family, I was able to quit. Throughout my quit journey, my family showed me their love and support; that’s why I was very determined to quit. I love my family more than anyone else so I should follow what they think is good for me, too.”
Li, 47, Beijing, China
“I used to smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day for 30 years. I normally smoked after I got up in the morning, after meals, with alcohol, or with other smokers. I once tried to quit but it only lasted for 10 days and I relapsed due to the influence of smokers around me. I never tried any smoking cessation aids that time. When I learned how COVID-19 affects smokers, I decided it was the time to quit. I also became unemployed due to the pandemic and I was worried that getting sick may add to the financial burden of my family.
Last World No Tobacco Day, I saw media articles on how smoking cessation clinics could help quit smoking so I decided to go to a clinic to seek help. On the first consultation, the doctor told me that smokers are not only more susceptible to getting infected by the coronavirus, but also that smokers are more likely to become severely or critically ill when infected. And that I could take advantage of reduced contacts with other smoker and drinker friends during lockdown, to stay strong-minded, leading to a greater chance of quitting successfully.
After the assessment, the doctor created a specific cessation plan, which included the timing, prescription of cessation aid medication, and a follow-up visit plan for the next 6 months. The doctor also included me in a WeChat group for patients who were also quitting. On day 7 of taking the medication, the cigarettes had become tasteless to me. On day 10, I felt that smoking was no longer a ‘must-do’. My daily smoking gradually decreased and on day 20, I completely quit. After 2 months of cessation counselling and medication, I am now smoke-free and enjoying a healthier life.”
Avinesh Ram, 30, Fiji
“I had my first cigarette at 17 due to peer pressure. I had gone from 1 cigarette in 2 weeks to a pack of 20 per day over a couple of years. Six years ago, I decided to cut down on cigarettes because of the price increase. Slowly, I was able to cut down from a pack of 20 per day to 1 cigarette a day.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with bronchitis – I began to have shortness of breath, a bad cough, chest pains, headaches and fatigue, which were very painful. Doctors advised me to quit smoking immediately, but I didn’t. Another week passed and my symptoms became even worse. On 29 November 2020, I woke up and decided that I would have my last cigarette. I did not buy another pack of cigarettes that day.
I visited a health centre and the doctor referred me to Hope Clinic where I joined their 3-month quit programme. They gave me nicotine patches on my first consultation. This was during the festive month of December and I was surrounded by friends who smoked and encouraged be to do so. I was very tempted but it gave me more confidence not to have a cigarette. I didn’t want all those days fighting cravings to be wasted. During this phase, few friends and colleagues supported me. This made me realize who was really there to support me through this difficult phase: my family.
The following month was a breeze. During this time, I made myself busy with new activities such as exercising, helping out around the house and spending more time with family. By the third month, I did not need any nicotine patches or lozenges. It has been 4 months now and I haven’t had a cigarette. All it took was support from family and close friends and the will to quit for a better you and future.
If you are a smoker, please think about why you need a cigarette before you light one. Think about what more you can do for those 5 minutes of your life. We only have one life. Please do not cut your own life short; this affects your life and your families’ lives, too. For those who are thinking about starting, please don’t. Trust me, if you think smoking will make you look cool with your friends, think again.”
Tek Chanarin, 62, Cambodia
“I started smoking in 1976. After smoking for 20 years, I started experiencing the negative impacts of smoking not just on myself but with others too. In July 1996, I quit. Being a medical doctor, I knew that there are things that I can do to give up smoking. With my commitment, I was able to quit by myself. I have been tobacco-free for more than 2 decades now and I do not even think about going back to smoking.” Benefits of quitting
Quitting is one of the best decisions you can ever make. Quitting has immediate and long-term benefits, not just on health but in overall quality of life. By quitting tobacco, you can save your health by reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, protect your loved ones from second-hand smoke, and also save money.
It is never too late to quit. You are not alone in your quitting journey. Get inspired and commit to quit today!