Commited To Quit

Monk Meas Sameth, age 33, lives at Mohamontrey Pagoda. Until 7 months ago, he smoked 2 to 3 packets a day; however, through determination, commitment and tobacco awareness campaigns he has successfully quit. Since Sameth quit smoking he has helped others to quit by giving advice and sharing his experience. “Before, when I would be driving along the road and see cigarette stalls, the cigarette stalls were very important to me, but not anymore,” Sameth said. His addiction is gone.

Sameth started smoking over 10 years ago, following the footsteps of his elders. He believed that since the elders smoked it would go against Cambodian tradition if he did not.

As a monk, Sameth attended a stop smoking class (CSC) for a day. Though aware of the harmful effects of smoking on his health, he stopped attending the class: his addiction was too strong. Later Sameth noticed the effects smoking was having on his body; cough and a bad smell. He decided that he had to give it up. Sameth tried hard, burned all his, but he still could not give up.

One day, he made a bet with his friends; if he quit smoking for good he would get $5 US. With the support and encouragement of his friends, and his determination to stop, Sameth quit smoking successfully.

Sameth’s final words were “thank you to ADRA’s ToH program, for running the tobacco awareness campaign.”