David Martinez's Success Story
How I quit smoking after 12 years and stayed smoke-free for 2 years
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"The combination of bupropion and a supportive online community made this quit attempt different from all my previous failures."
My Smoking Journey
I started smoking during my military service as a way to cope with stress and fit in with my unit. What began as a social habit quickly became a dependency that followed me back to civilian life. For 12 years, cigarettes were my constant companion through post-military adjustment, career changes, and family life. At my peak, I was smoking a pack and a half per day, and cigarettes were integrated into nearly every aspect of my daily routine.
The Turning Point
My wake-up call came during a family camping trip. I couldn't keep up with my kids on a moderate hiking trail, and I had to stop multiple times to catch my breath. The disappointment in their eyes when we had to turn back before reaching the scenic overlook hit me hard. That night, I calculated how much I was spending on cigarettes—over $4,000 per year—money that could be going toward family experiences instead. But the real turning point was realizing that my PTSD symptoms, which I'd been managing through therapy, seemed to worsen during periods of heavy smoking.
My Quit Strategy
After discussing my situation with both my therapist and primary care doctor, I decided to try bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban). Unlike my previous cold-turkey attempts, this medication helped reduce my cravings and made the withdrawal process more manageable. I also joined an online support community specifically for veterans trying to quit smoking, which provided accountability and understanding from people who shared similar experiences. Continuing my PTSD therapy throughout the quitting process was crucial, as it helped me develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
The Challenges
The first few weeks were challenging, particularly in situations that had strong associations with smoking—after meals, during work breaks, and while driving. I experienced irritability and some difficulty concentrating, though the medication helped mitigate these symptoms. The hardest moments came during periods of high stress, when the urge to fall back on my old coping mechanism was strongest. What helped most during these times was having immediate access to my online support community through a smartphone app, where I could post about my cravings and receive encouragement within minutes.
The Rewards
By the three-month mark, I noticed significant improvements in my breathing and energy levels. Six months in, I completed that same hiking trail with my kids without stopping once. My PTSD symptoms became more manageable as I replaced smoking with healthier stress-management techniques learned in therapy. Financially, I started a "quit fund" with the money I was saving, which we used for a family vacation at my one-year smoke-free anniversary. Perhaps most rewarding has been the pride my children express about my quitting—they've become my biggest cheerleaders and accountability partners.
My Advice to Others
If you're a veteran or someone dealing with mental health challenges while trying to quit smoking, don't try to tackle both issues separately. Find healthcare providers who understand the connection between smoking and conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Consider medication options—they're not a magic solution, but they can give you the edge you need to succeed. Connect with others who understand your specific challenges, whether through in-person support groups or online communities. And involve your family in your quit journey; their support and the desire to be a positive role model can be powerful motivators when cravings hit.
Benefits I've Experienced
- Improved PTSD symptoms
- Better physical endurance
- Positive role modeling for family
- Saved approximately $8,760
Methods That Worked For Me
- 1Prescription medication (bupropion)
- 2Online support community
- 3Therapy for PTSD
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