Actress Tjitske Reidinga is gearing up for Stoptober, the upcoming 28-day smoking cessation challenge. She's quit successfully before, only to relapse. "At a certain point, you think it's too late—it just won't work," she admits.
She's joined by fellow celebrities including Estelle Cruijff, Rick Brandsteder, Jörgen Raymann, and First Dates bartender Victor.
Read also: "Scientifically proven: it's never too late to quit smoking"
Stoptober offers 28 days of smoking cessation. Research confirms this duration allows people to experience key benefits, with most withdrawal symptoms resolved by the end.
Reidinga shares: "It's not social for me—it's a private moment. No one around me smokes, so it's hardly cozy. After intense years, I link it to rest. Rather than enjoying tea, I opt for coffee and a cigarette."
Still, she sees how it undermines those moments. "I'm embarrassed to smoke at my age. It spoils my breaks too—I think, 'How sad, just stop.' It breeds restlessness and guilt. Why do this to myself?"
Hoping Tjitske, the other ambassadors, and all Stoptober participants succeed for good!
