Marion Bernieri, 26, was a heavy smoker for five years but found
the motivation to quit after falling for a non-smoker, she tells Aimee Leabon.
I started smoking at a very young age, around 15. I grew up in France and at the time, most of my friends were smokers — I was surrounded! I didn't really know anyone who didn't smoke, it was just the thing to do.
I was never pressured, but as I became addicted, my life started to revolve around cigarettes. You can't smoke in pubs or restaurants these days but back then, that's all we did.
By the age of 20, I was smoking my age in cigarettes a day. I was so hooked that having a cigarette first thing in the morning became my daily ritual.
Because I couldn't afford my habit, I constantly owed money and was always in debt. I hated that I was addicted to something and the thought of when I was going to have that next cigarette consumed my mind. I was so affected, I felt as though I couldn't make my own decisions.
Finding the motivation
It wasn't until I started a relationship with a non-smoker that I finally had the motivation I needed to quit. We were getting pretty serious and he was worried about my addiction and begged me to stop.
While the thought of giving up was terrifying, it was the perfect opportunity, and with his support I finally ended my five-year stint with cigarettes. I didn't even plan it, one day I finished a pack of cigarettes and said "That's the last pack I'm ever going to buy" — and it worked!
Changing my environment also helped. It was around this time I made the move to Australia so I wasn't swayed by my smoking friends.
Oh, the cravings
I can't even describe the first few days after quitting. "Excruciating" comes to mind. The cravings were out of control and despite my determination I still wanted to smoke. I was off-the-charts moody and put on weight but lost it again after a few months.
I really wanted to do this for my relationship though, and one thing I'm proud of is this — as soon as I made up my mind, that was it. It took me a year to realise I didn't want a cigarette and it was such a good feeling.
Since quitting I've become a different person. I feel amazing. My breathing has improved significantly and even simple things like running to catch the train are so much easier. I can finally save money and I have more time to myself. All the time I spent smoking I now have to do other things. I didn't know what to do at first!
Tips for success
What's the best way to succeed at being smoke-free? Have a good reason to quit. Give yourself something to focus on and you'll be stronger and have something to work towards. Going cold turkey worked for me because I was determined to do this for myself and my partner.
Having a support network is really important so don't be afraid to ask for help. There are different approaches to quitting and people are out there to guide you so take advantage.
Picture posed by model
Your say: would you quit if your loved one asked you to?
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