In this heartfelt interview for VApril, former smoker Noah opens up about the hidden toll smoking takes on mental health, not just physical health. He shares his journey of quitting, the emotional ups and downs, and how life transformed after breaking free from addiction. This honest conversation is a reminder that quitting smoking isn’t just possible—it’s life-changing.
Ashley: Hey, Noah! I’m so grateful you’re here today. Since VApril—Vaping Awareness Month is just around the corner—I wanted to talk more openly about smoking, especially the side that’s not so visible. I know your journey to quitting wasn’t just about your lungs—it went deeper than that, right?
Noah: Thanks for having me, Ashley. Yeah, absolutely. People often think of smoking as just a physical habit, something that hurts your lungs or leads to cancer. But what hit me the hardest was the impact on my mind. The anxiety. The fog. The feeling like I was never quite okay unless I had a cigarette in hand. It's sneaky like that.
Ashley: For folks who might not fully get it—can you walk us through what smoking actually does in the body?
Noah: Sure. When you light up a cigarette, you’re inhaling smoke from burning tobacco. That smoke travels into your lungs, and then the nicotine—this very addictive chemical—hits your bloodstream. From there, it rushes straight to your brain.
At first, it gives you a little buzz—some calm, a sense of control. But it’s a trick. That calm? It’s really just relief from withdrawal symptoms. You’re chasing a fix. And that cycle doesn’t just wear on your lungs—it wears on your soul.
Ashley: I think a lot of people are surprised when they hear smoking and mental health are linked. But they really are, aren’t they?
Noah: Hugely. I used to think cigarettes were helping me cope with stress, but the truth is they were making it worse. Smoking messes with your brain’s chemistry—especially dopamine and serotonin, the feel-good stuff. Over time, it throws everything off balance.
I was more anxious, more irritable. It felt like my mood was being held hostage. And the worst part? I didn’t even realise it until I quit.
Ashley: That’s such a good point. We always talk about the physical benefits of quitting, but what was it like mentally and emotionally when you finally stopped?
Noah: Oh, it was tough at first. Let’s be real—quitting isn’t a walk in the park. But after a few weeks, it was like the clouds started to lift. My sleep got better, my mood evened out, and I started to feel proud of myself again.
Quitting gave me back my confidence. I could face stress without reaching for a smoke. That was a turning point. It felt like I was finally back in the driver’s seat of my own life.
Ashley: Okay, shifting gears a bit—besides the brain and lungs, where else does smoking leave its mark?
Noah: Everywhere. Honestly, it’s like it has a grudge against every organ in your body. Heart, skin, teeth, bones—you name it. It raises your risk of heart disease, slows your immune system, and even messes with fertility.
And don’t even get me started on secondhand smoke. I didn’t realise how much my habit could harm the people I love—my kids, my partner, even pets. That realisation hit me hard.
Ashley: Yeah, secondhand smoke is no joke. It’s wild how many people don’t realise it’s just as dangerous.
Noah: Exactly. It’s not just "a little smoke." It’s thousands of chemicals—some of them cancer-causing—hanging in the air where your kids breathe, where your partner sleeps. That was one of the biggest guilt points for me. Quitting wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about protecting the people I love.
Ashley: So, let’s talk about the bright side. What happens when you finally quit?
Noah: Oh, your body starts healing right away. Within 20 minutes, your heart rate starts to settle. A few days in, you breathe easier. After a few weeks, your circulation gets better. And the benefits just keep stacking up.
One year later, my risk of heart disease dropped by half. Five years later, stroke risk levels out with someone who’s never smoked. It’s incredible.
And beyond the medical charts? Food tasted better. My skin looked healthier. I stopped wheezing when I laughed. Life just felt... better.
Ashley: And what got you through it? Because we both know quitting isn’t just about willpower.
Noah: You’re right—it’s not. I used nicotine replacement therapy—those patches and lozenges really helped take the edge off. But the real game-changer was support. Therapy. Talking to people who got it.
Behavioural tools, prescription meds, and even online communities— they all helped. No one should have to do it alone. There are so many tools out there. Use them.
Ashley: Final question, Noah. If someone out there is reading this, feeling stuck, wanting to quit but terrified to start—what would you tell them?
Noah: I’d say this: You're not broken, and you're not weak for struggling. Addiction is loud, but your freedom can be louder.
Every craving passes. Every day you don’t smoke is a win. The mental clarity, the peace, the pride—that’s all waiting for you. Quitting smoking didn’t just save my health—it saved me. And it can save you, too.
Ashley: Noah, thank you so much. That was powerful. Your story is real, and I know it’s going to reach someone who needs to hear it.
Noah: Thank you, Ashley. If even one person feels less alone after this, it’s worth it.
💬 Thinking of quitting? There’s no “perfect” time—just the moment you decide you’re ready. Whether it’s through vaping, patches, therapy, or a combination—you’ve got options, and you’ve got support.
Quitting isn’t just about stopping, it’s about starting a life that feels better, clearer, and more yours.