13
I BROKE A FOUR-DECADE
ADDICTION TO CIGARETTES
Marlene smoked one pack of cigarettes every day for
more than 40 years. This affected her finances and even
her relationship with her children. Continue reading to find
out how the Addiction Cleansing Therapy (ACT) sessions
helped to turn things around.
“I
came to the ACT sessions, but I
didn’t think it would work for me.
I was addicted for many years,
and all my attempts to stop smoking
didn’t work. To be honest, I thought this
would only be one more failed attempt
to add to the list.
My daughter would complain that I was
like a dragon belching out smoke. She
had no desire to hug me or to be around
me because of the smell. It was so bad
that even the neighbours complained.
I wouldn’t see much of my money
because although I would work a
lot, I would spend my earnings on my
addiction. Whenever anything was
bothering me, I would light up a cigarette
to calm myself down. I depended on it.”
After attending the ACT sessions faithfully
and practising what she was learning
there, Marlene broke free from her
addiction.
“It has now been a year since I have
been free from that addiction. This
year, I was able to save £3,285 instead
of spending £9 per day on cigarettes.
My relationship with my children also
changed as a result. Now, my daughter
enjoys talking to me and spending time
with me.
The thought of smoking doesn’t even
cross my mind. Today, my money is
used to invest in my life, in my children,
and in my home. I use it for good things.
Just a short time after I stopped smoking,
I was able to go on holiday for two
months. I went to Brazil and travelled
through seven cities. Now, with the
money that I used to spend on
cigarettes, I am able to pay almost
£200 pounds to a consortium towards
a car for myself. Also, when I do get
upset, I am able to control myself.
Peace reigns in my home and in my
family. My family are proud of me.
After 40 years, I can finally say that
I am no longer a slave to a cigarette
addiction.”
Marlene Medina Lima