{"id":64600,"date":"2026-03-18T07:57:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T13:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=64600"},"modified":"2026-03-18T08:05:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:05:53","slug":"quit-after-40-years-free-smoking-cessation-program-near-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/quit-after-40-years-free-smoking-cessation-program-near-me\/","title":{"rendered":"Quitting smoking after 40 years was surprisingly ‘easy.’ How to get free help."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Collene Curran is a smoking cessation specialist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. She’s a former smoker herself and gives patients free, compassionate help. Curran helps many patients quit smoking even if they started as teens, like she did, and have smoked for decades. Photo courtesy of Collene Curran.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the single best things you can do for your health is to quit smoking. UCHealth offers a number of free smoking cessation programs near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And while many people hear that quitting smoking can be extremely challenging, Sandi Hersh, who had smoked for 40 years, was surprised that stopping was relatively painless.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuitting doesn\u2019t have to be hard. I still can\u2019t believe how easy it was,\u201d said Hersh, 63.<\/p>\n

She started smoking at age 19 because she thought it was cool. She quit in 2022, almost by accident.<\/p>\n

Hersh had postponed some medical care during the pandemic and was catching up on doctors\u2019 appointments. Her providers asked if she was interested in quitting. She casually said \u201cyes,\u201d but didn\u2019t plan to follow up. She always felt that smoking cigarettes helped her focus on challenging tasks, and frankly, she wasn\u2019t motivated to stop. Hersh figured she\u2019d have one quick conversation with a smoking cessation counselor, then she\u2019d keep on smoking.<\/p>\n

But Collene Curran, a certified tobacco treatment specialist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital<\/a>, was so positive and persistent in following up that Hersh wasn’t able to give Curran the slip.<\/p>\n

Before she knew it, Hersh smoked her last cigarette in April of that year.<\/p>\n

Curran provided quick tips to Hersh and shares them here with others who would like to quit smoking but aren’t sure they can succeed.<\/p>\n

Curran approaches her work with great empathy. She, too, used to smoke. Like many people, she started smoking as a teen. She picked up the habit at age 16 and quit in 2005 after smoking for 30 years.<\/p>\n

Soon after Curran quit, she learned she could help others gain freedom from smoking, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been my passion ever since,” she said.<\/p>\n

Quick tips on how to quit smoking<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s some advice from Curran on how to get started if you’d like to quit smoking.<\/p>\n

Set a quit date.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Today is a great day to embark on a path to quitting. Curran advises patients to pick a date. Create a personal goal to increase the likelihood of success.<\/p>\n

Tell your family and friends you plan to quit smoking cigarettes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to tell those you love that you plan to quit. They can be your support group and can encourage you.<\/p>\n

Ask for help<\/strong><\/h3>\n

People who try to quit cold turkey on their own have lower success rates, Curran said. Free help is available. For some people, prescription medications help. For others, behavioral interventions work. Boost your chances of success by teaming up with a pro who will guide, support and encourage you.<\/p>\n

Anticipate and plan for challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The urge to smoke in a particular momen tof the day is short: usually only 3 to 5 minutes, Curran said. Healthy coping choices can help you combat cravings. Try the following strategies:<\/p>\n