My Quit Journey: Week Three with the Varenicline Service

Published: 19/06/25

The day finally came, my official quit date.  

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I’ve been building up to my quit date for a couple of weeks, taking Varenicline and mentally preparing for the challenge. Still, when the quit date arrived, it felt big. Like stepping off a familiar path and onto something new and uncertain. I didn’t smoke that day, or the next day. And although my mind was consumed by the need to smoke, one week later, I’m still going strong. That’s not something I’ve been able to say in a long time. 

The cravings haven’t disappeared, but they’ve changed. They’re less intense, more manageable, even if my mood wasn’t (apologies to all my family, friends, and teammates). Varenicline is doing its job, but so is the structure of the service. I had another follow-up appointment at the pharmacy this week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. We did another CO reading, and for the first time, I saw the number drop significantly. It was a small but significant moment, proof that my body is already starting to recover. The pharmacist explained what the numbers meant, and we talked about the physical changes happening now that I’m smoke-free. It was motivating, reassuring, and real. 

What continues to stand out is the level of support I’ve received from both the Pharmacist and the Pharmacy Technician. The Pharmacist has been a steady guide throughout, checking in, answering questions, and helping me stay focused. The Pharmacy Technician, who has experience of the original service, has been a brilliant source of practical advice and encouragement. Their experience really shows, and it’s reassuring to know I’m being supported by people who genuinely understand the journey I’m on. We also talked about the next few weeks, what to expect, how to handle triggers, and how to stay on track. I left with a plan, a bit more confidence, and a lot of gratitude. 

I won’t pretend it’s easy. There are still moments where I must catch myself. I popped into my local shop to buy a pint of milk and found myself bypassing all the produce, heading to the counter and asking for a 20 pack of cigarettes. As the cashier turned to grab a packet, I panicked and screamed “No, I don’t smoke!”. The poor guy was so confused. The fact that for years I was a heavy smoker - even if I would argue on the contrary - has created these habits, but I’m learning to pause, to breathe, to choose differently. And each time I do, it gets a little easier.  

This journey is still unfolding, however I’m proud of how far I’ve come. And I’m thankful for the support that’s helped me get here, especially from my local community pharmacy. They’re not just helping me quit smoking, they’re helping me build the confidence to keep going. munity pharmacy can play a huge role in helping people change their lives. 

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