Last week Jaywalker Lodge introduced the very first nicotine cessation program that is available to all Jaywalker Lodge clients. The program is a 12-step based nicotine anonymous group along with separate clinical support and the option of using nicotine patches or gum. The program is a peer driven where three clients have dedicated themselves to being nicotine free. They have announced their quit dates to the peer group in hopes that they will lend them their support. I have always had trouble with nicotine in the past and at one point was clean from nicotine for 4 years. The one thing that got me through in the past, was the support of the peer group and applying the 12 steps to my addictive nature. This idea came from a photograph that I received of Jaywalker Lodge clients on an expedition. It was a picture of clients mountain biking in a beautiful setting and every single one of them had a cigarette in their mouths. Our primary focus at the Lodge is to get sober and get physically healthy while doing so. I thought; let’s take this a step further and have clients reap the health benefits of quitting tobacco while getting truly clean. Studies have shown that when an individual quits using nicotine while getting sober the chances greatly increase for long term sobriety. If you stop and think about it, nicotine creates both a physical and metal obsession of the mind and body, much like drugs and alcohol. I remember sitting in AA meetings and all I could think about was smoking a cigarette. I was so distracted by these thoughts that it took away from the message that was being sent. At that time I admitted that I was powerless over nicotine and in a way my life had become unmanageable. My hope is to spread the desire to quit using nicotine not only to the clients but to any individual who struggles with this addiction.
Mike Moreland CACII
Residential Manager
Jaywalker Lodge
