«Of all the drugs I consumed, none compares with the challenge of overcoming an addiction to cigarettes. Now that I am free of tobacco, I am living my best life ».
These are the wise words of Kevin Z. (in the photo), 30, who lives in Shirley’s village in Long Island, and who again is living a life free of tobacco* with the free assistance of the help line to quit smoking from the state of New York (called Ny Quitline). Kevin hopes his story will inspire others to look for a tobacco free lifestyle for this 2025 and beyond.
Kevin had a difficult childhood and, at 18, he entered Brunswick Hospital Center in Amyville to treat depression, anxiety and addiction to a variety of drugs. Two years later, while recovering, Kevin began to smoking cigarettes during outdoor breaks with his teammates. He soon discovered that, unfortunately, he had replaced his addiction with another.
“Smoking became the worst addiction I have had so far,” Kevin recalls. «I stole money to buy cigarettes, steal packages from my friends and even grabbed pins of the ground. I felt that life was escaping again until I joined the association for mental health and well -being a few years ago (Association for Mental Health and Wellness). That was the beginning of my trip without tobacco ».
Through group classes to quit smoking, as well as an introduction to the free services of the aid to quit New York smoking, Kevin learned not to smoke again, or so he believed. After 2 years without tobacco, Kevin had a slip in November 2024. However, unlike previous experiences, Kevin immediately resumed the desire to continue without tobacco.
“I remembered how services that were the specialists of the smoking aid line (from New York) and I called them,” he said. «This time I received free nicotine patches by mail. The specialists reminded me that I take things calmly and practice ‘five D’, especially delay the use of cigarettes. I quickly quit smoking again and I intend to continue like this ».
Stop smoking is possible
Kevin hopes that his story can inspire others to continue persevering in his way to quit smoking, even if they have a slip or a relapse. He is currently working as a leader of a group class to quit smoking in the recovery center of the association for mental health and well -being. Outside work, he is also helping his older brother to quit smoking.
“What matters is the work you do,” Kevin advises. «It’s hard, but you have to avoid people, places and situations that can incite you to want to smoke again. Remember that you no longer smoke ».
An additional inspiration for Kevin to remain free of tobacco was his wedding, on January 6, 2025. Kevin says it is easy to choose to live with his non -smoking partner instead of having cigarettes in his life.
“Like someone who is gay, Hispanic and former addict, I feel that quitting smoking is a victory over great tobacco companies,” Kevin said. «Manufacturers know that marginalized communities already have obstacles to achieving optimal well -being, but they still sell us a lot. Fortunately, now I feel free and released from addiction. Living without tobacco is liberating; I can breathe again and taste things. I don’t want to smoke again.
Resources and help available
Anyone can communicate with the New York smoking line by calling 1-866-NY-SUBS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week.
You can also visit nysmokefree.com To connect with a specialist through an online chat, request that they return the call or ask for free medications for nicotine replacement therapy.
The New York smoking line also offers a free text messages program to quit smoking or vaping, sending a text message with the word Quitnow (English) or leave it NY (Spanish) to 333888.
The New York smoking line wishes everyone a happy and healthy year 2025 and beyond. Specialists in trained and attentive smoking treatment are available seven days a week to offer support for a transition that changes their lives without smoking.
* The term tobacco in this press release refers to the use of manufactured commercial products and fuels and vapeo products, not to the sacred, medicinal and traditional use of tobacco by the American native nations and other indigenous groups.
