I am a 68-year-old female smoker who has been diagnosed with emphysema.
I had my first cigarette about nine years of age, still haven’t had my last one.
My first attempt ever to stop lasted a month. Yes I felt incredible by the end of that month, but I fell off the wagon.
I have a strong circle of friends who offer me all sorts of practical and moral help to no avail.
I have often wondered if we long-term smokers, I’m talking almost 60 years here, had a facility like Alcoholics Anonymous.
We could be nurtured, counselled and cared for in our quest to be a non-smoker.
I have shopped for a quit smoking counsellor but there is none.
I went in a smoke shop for help as to what alternatives there were available: the staff is not allowed to help you.
Has there ever been a survey to ask us long-termers what we think would help us? Not to my knowledge.
We need more help.
Sandra Cantrill, Brunswick Heads
