MARA

Name: Mara   Age: 16   Age she quit smoking: 15   Smoking habit: two or three a day

Q: Why did you quit smoking?

A: There was no reason to smoke. It was pointless.

Q: How did you quit?

A: Cold turkey. I just stopped smoking.

Q: Was it difficult?

A: Yeah, definitely.

Q: Did you experience any withdrawal symptoms?

A: Yes, I was constantly craving cigarettes. I would get shaky, kind of antsy all of the time.

Q: What was the hardest thing about quitting?

A: Having a cigarette in my hand was so comfortable, and losing that was like losing a best friend, somebody who is always there.

Q: Did you ever have a slip-up after you quit?

A: Yeah, for about a week. But then I thought, "Why am I doing this? It's not worth it." So then, I stopped again.

Q: What do you think is the worst thing about smoking?

A: The long-term effects it has on you, and it's completely unnecessary. There is no reason for you to smoke. For you to damage your body for no reason is so stupid!

Q: Do you feel different since you quit?

A: Absolutely. I'm really into sports and stuff, and when I run, I can actually keep going instead of losing my breath.

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