A 47-Year Smoking Habit Ends for Michael Mehan — Thanks to QUIT With WakeMed
June 25, 2025
Categories: Primary Care, Stories, Heart & Vascular, Foundation
Tags: Smoking Cessation, Smoking Cessation Counseling, quit smoking, Quit With WakeMed
"I was 12 years old when I began smoking cigarettes 47 years ago.
"The determination to quit had been on my mind for quite a while in light of my cardiovascular health issues. My WakeMed cardiologist J. Richard Daw, MD, FACC, referred me to Quit With WakeMed.
"I began the tobacco cessation program in September 2024 with support from Jessica Revels, RN, FNP. She immediately helped me start with nicotine replacement therapy, including the patch, lozenges, Chantix and Wellbutrin. I'd tried to quit for several years, and with these many supports in place, I was finally able to quit for good."
Provider, Jessica Revels was proud of Michael's determination to keep persevering, despite challenges with various treatments.
She comments, "Michael worked hard to move away from smoking. We did not have complete success with the initial medications of nicotine replacement. Michael was accustomed to having a high level of nicotine around. We added the varenicline to help further cut the cravings to smoke. Due to issues with the patches and not having complete coverage of his withdrawal symptoms we ultimately switched his nicotine replacement to Wellbutrin. He tolerated those very well and he continued to work on the behaviors around smoking for several months before he was able to fully quit. Michael's story shows how to keep digging in. Do not give up. Quitting smoking for most people does not happen overnight, but committing to one change at a time and sticking to it can ultimately lead you to reach your goal."
Michael continues, "Since I stopped smoking, my sense of smell has improved. I have the stamina to do yard work for a longer period of time without needing breaks.
"I don't think I would have ever been successful with smoking cessation if it hadn't been for Revels. She is great."
About Quit With WakeMed – Tobacco Cessation Program
Quit With WakeMed is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program designed to help you quit tobacco for good. Our team will provide you with the tools, therapies and support you need to be successful. Our approach has been proven to be approximately 10 times more effective than quitting on your own.
Our Services:
- Virtual appointments for your convenience
- Thorough assessment and discussion of goals
- Personalized treatment plans
- Prescription medications (as needed)
- Individual or group behavioral therapies
- Ongoing follow-up
About WakeMed Primary Care
WakeMed Physician Practices features board-certified primary care, internal medicine and family medicine physicians conveniently located throughout the Triangle.
Our exceptional, compassionate providers and care teams pride themselves on developing long-term relationships with our patients and families.
We look forward to caring for you and your family and to being your family’s medical home. Call or schedule online for an in-person or virtual visit with one of our primary care providers.