Sep 16, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Jillian Follert

DURHAM -- Health-care experts estimate 70 per cent of smokers want to kick their addiction.

Statistics say that left to their own devices, only about seven per cent will achieve success long term. In comparison, the data suggests that 30 per cent of smokers who seek help from health care professionals manage to become smoke free.

Metroland Durham Region Media Group wanted to test that theory -- and help stack the odds in favour of some Durham residents who desperately want to butt out.

We asked local smokers to tell us their stories and were overwhelmed with more than 100 phone calls and e-mails in 48 hours.

Three participants were chosen to take part in a six-week quitting challenge.

Experts from the Durham Region Smoking Cessation Network -- a group of local pharmacists, nurses, doctors, and dentists who are passionate about helping people quit -- are providing the participants with resources, guidance and support. We will be bringing you their story in print and online at www.newsdurhamregion.com on Wednesdays throughout August and September with a final wrap up on Sept. 30.

It's been six weeks since our participants sat down with the health experts from the Durham Region Smoking Cessation Network and chose the tools that would make up their quitting arsenals. Marven Whidden hasn't touched a cigarette since his quit date, John Hatch has had two slip ups and Sherrie Webber still hasn't managed to butt out completely -- but she's cut back a lot.

All three say it's been tough, but it gets easier every day. Check back on Sept. 30 for the conclusion of this series, which looks at where our participants are at the eight-week mark, and what the experts have to say about their progress.

Marven Whidden

Age 46

Clarington resident

Quitting tools: Champix medication and nicotine inhaler

It's been 23 days since Mr. Whidden has touched a cigarette (he started later because it took two weeks for the Champix to kick in) and he figures he's in the clear.

"This is it, I think I've quit for life," he said, while relaxing by his backyard pool on a recent late summer afternoon. "There's no way I'm going to go back to the way I was."

Sitting by the pool would usually tempt him to light up, but Mr. Whidden says he's not getting as many cravings these days and those he does have are easier to ignore.

The biggest challenge was a recent week off work, packed with pool parties, golf and games of horseshoes at his neighbour's house.

"I just had to suck it up," Mr. Whidden said of the cravings he experienced during those long, lazy days. "Now that I'm back at work, it's easier. I'm working 12-and-a-half-hour shifts, then I'm home for a couple of hours and I go to bed. Those days are easier, they just fly by."â?¨ With cigarettes $10 a pack, Mr. Whidden estimates he's saved $230 so far, money he plans to set aside for an upcoming golf vacation with friends.

And, his health is noticeably better -- walking the dog doesn't leave him winded and food is starting to taste better.

He plans to continue taking Champix until the recommended 10 weeks are up, by which point he hopes to be well past any major hurdles.

"Right now, this is the longest I've ever quit for," Mr. Whidden said. "I'm proud of myself."

Sherrie Webber

Age 26

Oshawa resident

Quitting tools: Nicotine lozenges and nicotine inhaler

Ms. Webber hasn't managed to quit completely yet. She's still having a few cigarettes a day, usually right when she wakes up in the morning and before bed at night.

There have also been a few bad days, where she's smoked more than that.

"Everyone is going to relapse," she said, noting she smoked "about four or five" cigarettes while out at a bar one recent night, although that's an improvement over her usual pattern of smoking every half hour during a night out.

Ms. Webber said she is still using the lozenges and inhaler on a regular basis and that they are helping.

"I've gone from buying two, or even three, packs a day, to maybe one every couple days," she said. "I'm proud of myself, but it's been very, very stressful."

Ms. Webber described her mood swings as "off the wall," and said she's been biting her nails from stress and dealing with coughing fits and trouble sleeping. Lately, she tends to toss and turn for two hours or more before finally nodding off.

But she's still committed to cutting out cigarettes completely.

"I'm doing better than the last time I tried to quit, I just have to keep trying," she said. "You only fail if you give up."

John Hatch

Age 18

Oshawa residentâ?¨Quitting tools: Nicotine gum and nicotine inhaler

It's been a month of big changes for Mr. Hatch. He started classes at Durham College on Sept. 8, which means a new routine, new bus route, new friends, new setting.

"It's stressful to have all this new stuff," he said. "When I'm at school, there are about eight million people smoking at the bus stop. I try to distract myself by eating something healthy."â?¨ Mr. Hatch has had two slips ups since his quit date on Aug. 8 -- one during a work party and another more recently when he was having "a really, really bad day." But, he is still determined to quit and says he's doing better every day.

"I'm using the products less and I'm not having as many cravings. The really hard part was the first two weeks," he said. "Once in a while I'm still getting cravings, but it's helped that I've changed my routine a lot."

Mr. Hatch said his lungs already feel noticeably better -- "when I run for the bus, I actually make it" -- and he is surprised by all the support he's getting from people who have been following the series.

"When I'm at work (at Halendas) people recognize me, I have people hugging me ... I'm more proud of myself than I've ever been."