Twelve weeks ago, I walked into my local community pharmacy with a mixture of hope and hesitation. I had tried to quit smoking before, more times than I care to count, and each attempt ended the same way: returning to the familiar routine and the cigarettes.
This time, something changed. I had structure, support, and a service that offered more than just medication.
The varenicline service was more than a prescription. It became a rhythm. Weekly appointments, carbon monoxide readings, honest conversations, and consistent encouragement provided the framework that supported me through the most vulnerable moments.
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From the very first consultation, I felt understood. The pharmacist did not lecture or judge. They listened. We discussed my history, my habits, and my hopes. That first tablet felt like a small step, but it marked the beginning of something much greater.
One of the most useful aspects of the service was its predictability. Knowing I had a check-in each week gave me a sense of accountability without pressure. The carbon monoxide readings were particularly powerful. Watching the numbers drop week by week gave me tangible evidence that my body was healing.
Even when the readings did not go as expected, such as the spike in week four, the pharmacist helped me understand the context, reassured me, and reminded me that progress is not always linear.
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I had received a frustrating carbon monoxide reading and was feeling deflated. The pharmacist took the time to explain possible reasons and even tested himself to demonstrate how environmental factors could influence the result.
That gesture, simple yet thoughtful, reminded me that this journey was not mine alone. I had people walking alongside me, not only the pharmacy team, but also my family, friends, and colleagues. They helped me stay accountable and their support made a real difference.
There were challenges, of course. Cravings did not disappear overnight. Some days were harder than others. Stress, routine, and even boredom could trigger the urge to smoke. However, I learnt to pause, to breathe, and to make a different choice.
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The weekly appointments helped me build a toolkit of small strategies, such as going for a walk, drinking water, or simply doing the washing up. These became my anchors.
The care I received from the pharmacy team was both personal and consistent. The pharmacist was a steady guide, always ready with advice and encouragement. The pharmacy technician brought a practical perspective, sharing insights from their experience with the original service. The dispenser, often overlooked, played a quiet but vital role by preparing my medication and offering a friendly word each time I visited.
Each member of the team contributed in their own way, and together they created a space where I felt supported.
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By week eight, something shifted. Smoking no longer felt like a temptation. I was not just resisting cigarettes; I was redefining myself. I began to see myself as a non-smoker. That change was subtle but profound.
It revealed itself in small moments, such as staying seated during a concert instead of slipping out for a cigarette, not reacting when others smoked nearby, and no longer feeling the need to explain myself.
Now, twelve weeks in, I am no longer counting the days. I am simply living them. The cravings still come, but they are manageable. Habits are fading.
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The confidence I have gained is real. I am proud of the progress I have made and grateful for the support that helped me reach this point.
This journey has taught me that quitting smoking is not just about stopping. It is about starting something new. It is about reclaiming control, building resilience, and finding balance.
Over these twelve weeks, I have come to understand that change is possible when you have the right support around you. The encouragement I received from the pharmacy team, my family, friends, and colleagues helped me stay focused. Their belief in me made all the difference.
Graham Le Tissier is a digital communications assistant at Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS).