“My Life is No Longer Controlled by an Addiction”

“I was controlled by my smoking addiction,” says Doug Roberts, a businessman and former attorney from southern California, and recent participant in the St. Helena Center for Health’s seven-day tobacco-dependence treatment program.

Doug’s journey to stop smoking—after 26 years—was not easy. But his decision to stop will carry a legacy for years to come.

Upon graduation, Doug was so impressed with the treatment at St. Helena, especially the recent addition of individually tailored nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), or pharmacotherapy, that he donated $100,000 to support the program.

Doug continues, “There are no words to describe how embarrassing it is when your children look at you and say, ‘Why don’t you just quit, Dad?’ Not only do you worry about the secondhand smoke and what it might be doing to your kids, you are so ashamed that they see you as weak and out of control!

"I would travel with my family and have to leave the airport a couple of times to have a smoke. I couldn’t sit through a movie or enjoy a leisurely meal. At times I literally dug through dirty ash trays, looking for a half-smoked cigarette!”

Doug now feels he’s got his life back. “At the St. Helena Center for Health,” he says,“ I finally confronted the demon and was forced to witness the effects of smoking. One member of my group had damaged vocal cords. Another had undergone surgery for throat cancer. The group aspect is an important part of the program, because only a heavily addicted smoker can really understand what another one is going through.

“My life has changed immensely since I’ve been off cigarettes,” says Doug. “Before, I couldn’t exercise–I would get so out of breath it was scary. I would sweat the nicotine out of my system and then suffer withdrawal symptoms. Now, the nicotine rush has been replaced by a natural endorphin high that feels great!”

Individually tailored behavioral and medical treatment of tobacco dependence, or pharmacotherapy, is a key component of the St. Helena program. Dr. David Sachs, who has recently joined the St. Helena program, has pioneered research for formulating exactly how much nicotine replacement is necessary for each patient to alleviate their nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The key reasons for failure to stop smoking are the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal–lack of ability to concentrate, cravings, sleeplessness and emotional instability. When these symptoms are alleviated, the psychological symptoms of quitting become more manageable.

Doug explains, “I believe a residential program is necessary to form the group dynamic, isolate participants from stressors, and have time for education about nutrition, exercise and the effects of smoking on the brain. Being in a medical setting is crucial because it’s a reminder that you’re fighting a medical condition. All aspects of St. Helena’s program are necessary to make it work.

“But the best part is how I feel about myself – my shame has been replaced by a high degree of self-esteem and optimism. I feel such relief knowing that my life is no longer controlled by an addiction. I gave seven days of my life to save years. It was the only way I could have done it!”

Doug made his gift to the tobacco-dependence program because he wants to help free others from addiction. He says, “The St. Helena Center for Health program is comprehensive, practical and compassionate. I want to help make it available for others!”