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I had been thinking about quitting smoking for around three or four months before I actually did it. I’d smoked for over ten years, and although I’d tried to quit before, it had never worked.

What really prompted the change was a hospital admission for another health issue. While I was there, they encouraged me to stop smoking and asked if I wanted to speak to the stop smoking advisor. I agreed to have a chat. She gave me some information, including details about the Smoke Free app, and I remember thinking it felt different from what I’d tried in the past. It felt new.

At that point, I took a step back and thought about everything. I looked at my life from all angles and decided it was time to make some changes.

Getting started with the Smoke Free app

Once I started using the app, that was it. I found it easy to use, and the support was there when I needed it. That made a big difference compared to other attempts I’d made before, which hadn’t worked out.

For me, the biggest benefit of the Smoke Free app was that it was always there. It’s portable, and the help and assistance are available whenever you need them. Other types of support, like going through a pharmacy or attending groups, aren’t always guaranteed to be available when you need them.

I also live with anxiety, and that played a big part in why the app worked for me. Having everything in one place made things much easier. I didn’t have to search through websites or try to remember appointments. It was quick and easy to access.

Using different tools to manage cravings

Alongside the app, I used a vape, patches and an inhalator. The app reminded me that different options were available. Over time, I started to use them in different ways. When I was out and about, I might use the vape to take the edge off. At home, I’d use the inhalator and wear the patch. That helped me separate different environments and routines.

Eventually, once I’d got used to the patch and reduced my reliance on the vape, I stopped using the vape altogether. It wasn’t easy at first, but by breaking things down into stages, it became more manageable.

Support during moments of anxiety

The app helped me most when I was out and about and feeling anxious. Normally, that’s when I would reach for a cigarette. Instead, I’d open the app and just browse through it.

Everything was there in one place, which made it easier for me. I didn’t have to scroll endlessly online or look for information elsewhere. Just that small distraction was often enough to take my mind off the craving. Over time, it became second nature to go to the app instead of smoking.

I also used the coping strategies suggested, like using the inhalator, drinking water, or having a snack. These small changes helped me think differently about cravings.

Thinking about access, money and mental health

I do think things like money, mental health and access to support can make it harder for people to quit smoking. If you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, smoking can become your main coping mechanism, especially when you’re out and about.

Lack of knowledge and lack of funding can also be barriers. If you don’t know what support is available, or you can’t afford stop smoking products, it makes quitting feel much harder. That’s where having something like the app helped me, because it showed me there were other ways to cope that didn’t cost money, like using an inhalator, drinking water, or having a healthy snack.

Having support available at any time was important for me. Anxiety doesn’t work to a schedule, and things can come up at any point in the day. Knowing the app was there, no matter what else was going on in my life, made it easier to keep going. Over time, as I stayed smoke free, my health started to improve as my body recovered from the effects of smoking.

Ongoing support and affordability

Another important part of the app for me was the support from professionals. There were agents available through the app who were knowledgeable and supportive. I also had someone check in with me every week or two to see how I was getting on and to make sure I was still smoke-free.

Being on benefits, affordability is always something I have to think about. The app helped reduce that worry. It reminded me when I needed to reorder nicotine replacement products, so I didn’t run out or end up spending money at the last minute. Without that support, quitting smoking can actually create extra financial pressure.

Reflections on the experience

I used the app most during the first couple of months, which I found to be the hardest part of quitting. I continued to use it after that, but those first two months were when I needed it the most.

I’m now smoke-free and vape-free. I’ve already recommended the app to friends and family, shown them how it works, and helped them get started on their own journeys.

If someone is thinking about quitting and considering using the Smoke Free app, I’d say go for it. For me, having support that was always there, easy to access, and fitted around my life made all the difference.

About the North East and Yorkshire tobacco prevention programme

The North Easy and Yorkshire tobacco prevention project is a digitally enabled tobacco dependence treatment initiative delivered across secondary care in partnership with NHS organisations across the North East and Yorkshire. It introduces the Smoke Free app to support patients to quit smoking during hospitalisation and continue their journey after discharge. Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, alongside regional partners, has supported the roll out and evaluation of the pilot, designed to address challenges such as access to support after leaving the hospital. This blog shares Carlos’ experience of using the app as part of his journey to becoming smoke free.