"Of all the drugs I once used, nothing compares to the challenge of overcoming an addiction to cigarettes. I'm living my best life now that I'm tobacco-free."
These are words of wisdom from 30-year-old Kevin Z. (his last name is being withheld) from Shirley, who is again living tobacco-free with free assistance from the New York State Quitline (NY Quitline).
Kevin is sharing his deeply personal story that he hopes will inspire others to pursue a tobacco-free lifestyle for the new year and beyond.
Kevin endured what he described as a tough childhood and, at age 18, entered Brunswick Hospital Center in Amityville to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction to a variety of drugs.
Two years later while becoming sober, Kevin began using cigarettes during outdoor breaks with peers. He soon discovered he unfortunately replaced his addiction with another one.
"Smoking became the worst addiction yet," Kevin recalled. "I stole money to buy cigarettes, stole packs from friends, and would even grab lit cigarette butts off the ground. Life felt like it was once again spiraling out of control until I joined the Association for Mental Health and Wellness a few years ago. That was the start of my tobacco-free journey."
Through group cessation classes as well as an introduction to free services from the NY Quitline, Kevin learned how to stay quit – or so he thought.
After two years of being tobacco-free, Kevin had a slip-up in November 2024. Unlike past experiences, however, Kevin immediately resumed the desire to remain tobacco-free.
"I remembered how helpful the (NY) Quitline's specialists were, and gave them a call," he said. "This time around, I received free nicotine patches in the mail. The specialists reminded me to take things day-to-day and to practice the 'five D's' – especially delaying use of cigarettes. I quickly became tobacco-free again and intend to stay that way."
Kevin hopes his tale can inspire others to keep persevering with their quit-journey, even if they have a slip-up or relapse. Today, he serves as a smoking cessation group class leader at the Association for Mental Health and Wellness's Recovery Center. Outside of work, he currently is also assisting his older brother to become tobacco-free.
"What matters is the work you put in," Kevin advises. "It's tough, but you've got to avoid the people, places, and situations that can lure you to want to smoke again. Remind yourself that you don't smoke anymore."
One added inspiration for Kevin staying tobacco-free was his wedding on January 6th, 2025.
Kevin says it's easy to choose living with his non-smoking partner over having cigarettes in his life.
"As someone who's gay, Hispanic and a former addict, I feel like becoming tobacco-free is a victory over Big Tobacco," Kevin said. "The manufacturers know marginalized communities already have hurdles to achieving optimal wellness, yet they market heavily to us anyway. Fortunately, I now feel free and unchained to the addiction. Living tobacco-free is liberating; I can breathe again and taste things. I don't ever want to go back to cigarettes."
Anyone may contact the NY Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week.
They can also visit nysmokefree.com to connect with a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy medications.
The NY Quitline additionally offers a free texting program to quit smoking or vaping, by texting QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.