CDC: Tips From Former Smokers - Brian H.: Part of Who I Was

By the time Brian was 11 years old, he was already smoking close to a pack of cigarettes a day. In this video from CDC’s _Tips_ _From_ _Former_ _Smokers_ ® ( _Tips_ ® ) campaign, he talks about how he smoked during his youth, marriage, and throughout his career in the U.S. Air Force. He had a heart attack at age 35 and spent months in hospital rooms. Brian died in 2022 at age 68 after suffering from smoking-related health problems for more than 30 years.

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[Chappie-ifhd]

My name is brian, Im in the military now, Ive never smoked and because of this brian, I never will. thanks brian.

[christinagould]

So sorry Brian. My dad was a 3+ pack a day smoker. He smoked 57 years from age 12 till 70. He quit when he was given 1 week to live. He lived 6 weeks after quitting. He had late stage 4 lung cancer. His coughs started to sound like he was choking to death. Seeing my dad in the living room in a hospital bed was beyond heartbreaking.

[sidim]

touched, me deeply sir ; i am 28 two daughters and a loving wife, i will stop smoking now because i dont want them to go through this, bless you sir

[ainvencivel]

I‘m so sorry. Like words can’t even express how I feel.
I am 35 and quit smoking 10 years ago, at the age of 25. It was my last cigarette. I started chain smoking at 15. I had my first cigarette at 12 and loved it. Many people don’t believe it but I still crave it so badly that I came very close to relapsing. I also have regular dreams at night where I am smoking again. May God give the strength to all those who want to quit and even more to those who come forward so that they can make a difference. Thank you, Sir. I hope you will get another chance to get the heart you need.

[alec]

Imagine a heart attack at age thirty five

[jamesketchum]

knowing how close you were to getting a transplant and having that call to say you were taken off the list, i cant even imagine how devastating that was for you, i quit smoking at 26 in 2013 and have been clean ever since, i watch these kind of messages every day to keep in mind what i COULD be going through if i wouldnt have quit, like a self punishment for having started in the first place due to peer pressure at 17. i have the rest of my life to recover and i thank god every day for it.

[rileybowman]

Nobody in my family smokes cigarettes, I’m so grateful. It must be so scary to watch a family member’s health decline while you watch them continue with their habits. The people who participate in these commercials are being so strong.

[ng]

I have never tried smoking i have never even drank alcohol and i am 22, people call me straight edged and may see me as boring but thankfully i have a strong willpower and my health is worth more than the feeling those ignorant people give me .

[thetattooedredhead]

He seems like such a wonderful man. Thank you for your service Brian and I hope you are doing good. Also thank you for quitting smoking and going on public television to tell your story. I never plan on smoking ever but I watch these to make sure I never do.

[ericzombie]

I am crying right know, I felt so bad.

[thepsychosupersonicdiscopu]

I watch this videos everytime I crave and my cravings to smoke vanishes. Happy 1st yr smoke free anniv to me and counting. Quit smoking guys before its too late.

[Mr.ezman]

I just lost my Mom too smoking a few days ago. I haven't left my room in 2 weeks cause I knew it was the end while She was in the hospital . Crying as I type this. She had Cancer of the lungs, blockages in her heart. Due to the chemo and radiation treatment it weakened her immune system. She caught the flu and that was it. I can't get out of bed I'm so depressed and mad. She was only 62. I also lost my Father to smoking 8 years ago. I don't think I can go on anymore. It hurts to bad.

[l.wheels]

Poor Brian. Back when he was young no one really knew how bad cigarettes were and he had to learn their hard way that they were deadly. It is because of people like Brian that more and more people are quitting and not having to suffer. More people like him need to share there story on how dangerous and deadly cigarettes are.

[zahirhassan]

Quitted 17 days ago. This addiction just make you helpless if you don't fight it you are going to become it's slave. I have to see all these videos to keep remembering

[rambleonfromhere]

Brian, DONT blame yourself. ITS VERY HARD TO QUIT!!!! I have med conditions and I'm still that never were Hooked dont understand how Strong the urge is.

[Alan_One]

Thanks for your service, Brian. I'm glad you got a chance at life.

[valeriering]

I remember when you were only contemplating going on the list. Thank God and Thank Stanley.

[JaymieDornanVoice]

A strong lesson, thank you for taking it upon yourself to spread the message. Best wishes.

[ZdsZodyrus]

My dad's been smoking for over 50 years and I have tried for over a decade to get him to stop. And he won't. And I'm scared this might happen to him. I already lost my mom, I can't afford to lose my dad too.

[snw_kittn]

God bless you for having the courage to be so honest about your experiences. I’m glad you’re sharing what you went through and your story is a good reminder for me to remain smoke free. Thank you, Brian. Be well.