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I'd been using tobacco since high school and I had tried to quit by myself several times. I had some success but I'd go back to smoking after a few days or weeks. I hadn't felt good generally for a long time and I knew it was because of the cigarettes AND chewing tobacco. And when I would try to quit I would feel even worse when my addicted brain complained.

I was really disappointed with myself for smoking around my son Jason. I didn't smoke in front of him but he was just getting old enough to figure out what I was doing when I went to the garage. So I thought about how stupid it was to be doing something I had to hide. Between feeling bad all the time and making my son more likely to use tobacco, I was really ready to quit.

Here is some of the key info I learned in Nancy’s cessation classes that made it seem possible to quit:

How an Addiction Works

Quitting tobacco would let my body's chemistry return to normal and allow me to feel good again.

The Effects of Tobacco on Your Body

I was aware of the obvious cancer risks for my lungs and my mouth, but I didn't realize that the chemicals from tobacco inflame and scar blood vessels, inhibit healing, and can cause sexual dysfunction.

Cigarettes and Chewing Tobacco are Highly Designed Products

The tobacco companies have marketed to youth to make them think that using tobacco is cool and harmless.  Once a person is hooked it  have to work smart to break the addiction.

How to Get Ready to Quit

Cold turkey is one of the lowest percentage options. Using gums, patches, lozenges, or other aids increases your chances.  Having the right information and trained support gives you the best chance of quitting.

How to Avoid Starting Again

The classes prepared me for the situations where I would be susceptible to starting again.

Where to Find Additional Resources

Nancy told me about many resources like Idaho.QuitNet.com

Before the classes I was resigned to thinking that I would use tobacco the rest of my life. As I approached my first month without tobacco I began gaining back confidence because I was beating a beast slowly but surely. Ever since I quit, I've noticed people all around me quitting too. If you have that same resigned feeling I had about tobacco, realize that it's a normal thing that lots of people get past. It's probably a good sign that you're ready to quit.

After I was able to quit I was so excited that I wanted everyone to know about the classes.  I race stock cars across Idaho and for the 2003 season the “Smoke Free 83” team was born.

Every lap our goal is to reach young fans with a positive reminder that tobacco is great thing to skip.  For the fans that already have a habit I help them remember Nancy Caspersen when they’re serious about quitting.  Please visit my web site at www.smokefree83.com to see how Nancy has influenced me.