Thrive Tribe is an award winning provider of healthy lifestyle services, born in 2008 with the aim of supporting people across the country to lead healthier, happier lives.
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Did you know that the 28 Days program has been designed in collaboration with Gary Tedeschi, PhD & Clinical Directorat the California Smokers’ Helpline based at the University of California, San Diego (https://www.nobutts.org/about-us) – the United States’ first state wide quit-line (set up in 1992).
The structure of the program that we operate today has been through a rigorous testing process (randomized clinical trials) in collaboration with organisations such as California Department of Public Health and scientifically validated by the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (Office on Smoking & Health) – variables such as length of each session, objective of each session, the role of quitting aids and if quit coaches should share case-loads – all put to the test to ensure the efficacy of the delivery and program design. As well as going through a formal training procedure in adherence to the original program, all of the 28 Days Quit Coaches are qualified Level 2 NCSCT (National Centre for Smoking Cessation Training) – so rest assured you and / or your employees are in safe and quality hands.
Over this series of content using some of the findings from University of California San Diego, we’ll take a look at some key considerations when it comes to quitting smoking, before, during and after the process – and a few things in the middle!
When contemplating your smoking habit, there may be a number of different questions that arise – after all, it’s a major lifestyle change, there’s lots to think about. Here are some of the 6 most common ones, notice how they (and the answers) land on you:
Q: The last time I tried to quit smoking, I failed. How do I keep trying if I keep failing?
Most people try a number of times before they quit for good. So, it’s important to keep trying. Every quit attempt is a success, no matter how long it lasts. What worked and what didn’t work? There’s a lot to learn from each time you try, and each attempt will have the benefit of the learnings from the previous. Keep in mind that you never fail unless you stop trying.
Q: Should I use the patches or some other quitting aid?
Quitting aids do help people quit. The most common ones are nicotine patches, gum & lozenges. Some people also use medication like Zyban® and Chantix®. And some people still quit cold turkey, without any quitting aids. In any case, it’s a personal choice. Your Quit Coaches can help you decide too. For more information about quitting aids and which might be suitable, if you are eligible for free NRT delivery or any further info, get in touch here: hello@28days.org.uk
Q: Will cutting down help me to quit?
It can help, as long as your intention is to quit totally. Cutting down may be a good way to practice quitting and to feel more confident, for example, setting small targets per day in the run up to a quit date. If you want to quit for good though, set a quit date and stick to it.
Q: What about electronic cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are growing in popularity, and although they are beginning to be approved as a quitting aid (in some areas), there is still lots to consider. This information can help you understand if an E-cigarette is right for you: https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/e-cigarettes
Q: How will I feel when I quit?
Quitting smoking can feel a little different for each person. But here are some things you may notice:
. A hard time being around smokers
. Good days and bad days
. Withdrawal symptoms, such as being annoyed
. Breathing easier
. Things that challenge your motivation to keep going
. Cravings that are strong at first, but weaker with time
. A growing sense of success
You can learn a little more here: https://www.28days.org.uk/blog/so-what-to-expect
Q: How do I get started?
Congratulations for asking this question – you’re into the journey already! Some of the key things you may wish to consider:
1- Your values: what matters to you in your life? Quitting smoking is a lifestyle change, so this can be important
2- Your motivation: why do you want to quit smoking?
3- Your triggers: what prompts you to smoke, or smoke more?
4- How does smoking affect my life, and of those around me?
5- What support services are available to me?
Given your already asking these questions, why not bounce them off one of the 28 Days Quit Coaches? Once registered with the program we will book you in for a first consultation (it’s a remote based service, so we can work to your schedule), this is a great opportunity to really understand your relationship to smoking, go over any concerns or questions you have, share info on medical support available and set a quit date. This session usually lasts 30 minutes and acts as a foundation for the future sessions we’ll have weekly.
Drop us a message here: hello@28days.org.uk Or call here: 03301 244 648
