As a recognized global leader in tobacco control, Ireland has worked hard to develop comprehensive treatment for tobacco dependence. The country’s efforts are underpinned by ambitious goals: it aims to be tobacco free by 2025 with a smoking prevalence equal to or lower than 5%. One of Ireland’s keys to success is a rigorous national cessation programme that provides care and support for those struggling with tobacco and nicotine dependence.
Reformed smoker Didier Faugerv pictured with his son Lucien.
“I started smoking when I was just 15 as everyone around me smoked,” says the 43-year-old, who is originally from France. “My father had a bar and also sold tobacco, so smoking was a normal part of life and I followed the crowd as I believed it was the cool thing to do.
“From the beginning I was smoking about 10 cigarettes a day and then when I reached the age of 20, I doubled that and would smoke a pack each day. As I got older, I knew it wasn’t doing me any good. I had difficulty breathing, would get out of breath after just a few minutes of exercise, I lost my sense of smell and couldn’t taste the good things in life, so I wanted to stop.