A mum from Banff who used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day has told of her remarkable journey to quit smoking.
Avril Bruce took up smoking at the age of 13 after being peer-pressured in secondary school.
Back then she would smoke around 15 cigarettes a day with the allure of fitting in with the ‘cool’ kids.
Trying several times to break the habit, the 53-year-old has managed to stop once before.
Ms Bruce said: “I tried several times throughout my life to stop smoking and I successfully quit when I was pregnant with both my girls.”
Although patches contributed to this at the time, she revealed that “mind over matter” has been more successful than anything else.
‘I Smoked 15 cigarettes a day at the age of 13’
By the time she reached the age of 40, her addiction escalated as she would smoke as many as 40 cigarettes a day.
Her latest journey to stop smoking began five years ago after she felt triggered by a health scare.
Ms Bruce recalls how she was “physically unable” to have a cigarette when she was rushed into intensive care as she had a pulmonary embolism in her lungs.
“It was a quick sharp shock but, even on that day when I found out what was happening to me, I still tried to go out for a cigarette. Physically, I was unable to, so that’s when I decided to stop”, she added.
Admitting to having other addiction issues over the years, “smoking was by far the hardest to overcome”.
However, her determination is “unshakable” this time around as the cost-of-living crisis has taken on a deeply personal meaning.
This year, Avril has participated in the ‘Cost of Living, Cost of Smoking: Community Intelligence for Public Health’ research project in Aberdeenshire.
The project is funded by ASH Scotland, led by the University of Aberdeen, and facilitated by Turning Point Scotland.
Her involvement in the project has enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of the hazards of vaping and contribute to efforts to prevent her family from falling into the same smoking trap.
Vaping ‘not the solution’ for ex-smoker
After beating her habit of smoking, she started to vape as a less harmful alternative but as time has passed she shares that vaping is not the solution she had hoped for.
She said: “The addictive grip of nicotine is as strong as it was when I was smoking and I’m getting discomfort in my throat and nose, so I need to find a way to get off the vapes too. I’m desperate to stop vaping.”
Taking part in the cost-of-living project, she has learned of all the avenues of help that are out there for free.
Saying she “had no idea there was help available, let alone that it was free”, she now knows of the Quit Your Way Service or that help can be provided by the GP or pharmacy.
Ms Bruce added: “One revelation that struck a chord with me was the financial aspect of quitting smoking.
“While the prospect of saving money was motivating, it was even more compelling to learn how that money could add up and be redirected toward more rewarding pursuits, like a holiday or gifts for family members.
“It is amazing to see the results when you stop smoking and the rewards of the money saved.”
Ms Bruce also advocates for early education about the dangers of smoking and insists that knowledge is the most powerful weapon against addiction.
Adding: “I can see the impact early intervention is already having on my younger grandchildren – they’re much more aware of the dangers of smoking and vaping so early education is crucial.”
Five years down the line, Avril is still going strong
She used a combination of mindfulness and recognising her cravings, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and the support of her loved ones to overcome her addiction.
She said: “Five years down the line, I’m still successful in not smoking.
“I’ve come a long way, and I want to keep going. I’m determined to help others and make sure my grandchildren have a brighter, smoke-free future.”