Matt Lawrence came to the Wellness@Work Program dipping a can of tobacco every day, having made multiple “practice attempts” without sustaining abstinence. He hated the control that tobacco exerted over him. In his position as Deputy Fire Chief, he wanted to be a good role model and had become weary of hiding his tobacco use.

Matt Lawrence came to the Wellness@Work Program dipping a can of tobacco every day, having made multiple “practice attempts” without sustaining abstinence. He hated the control that tobacco exerted over him. In his position as Deputy Fire Chief, he wanted to be a good role model and had become weary of hiding his tobacco use. Matt was determined to become tobacco free, so determined that he tried the patches, lozenges, Chantix, and Wellbutrin – including various combinations of these cessation medications. He set a goal of quitting in conjunction with his department’s cancer awareness campaign, Pink Heals, which raises funds for Lineberger Cancer Center. He proudly states that he last used tobacco on August 11, 2015.

People experience different levels of difficulty in becoming tobacco-free. Matt sets a good example of perseverance and determination to complete a goal. He expresses gratitude to the Wellness@Work program for sticking with him as he kept trying different medications and strategies.

Matt’s most recent dentist visit brought welcome news that his mouth looks like he never dipped at all. He feels so positive about being free from the control of tobacco that he now encourages others to become join him in living tobacco free. His message to others: “It’s possible! Be strong!”

If you would like to quit using tobacco, Wellness@Work has a free program to help you. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are free to employees of Chapel Hill for three months. Chantix and Wellbutrin can be prescribed by the nurse practitioner and Blue Cross/Blue Shield will cover most, if not all, of the cost.

For more information, contact Barbara Silver at 984-974-8455 or barbara_silver@med.unc.edu.