According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use causes more than 8 million deaths a year. Most of those deaths are linked to smoking.

It's a daunting statistic Dustin Sherman didn't want to be apart of, as he began a journey to put an end to a decades-long habit. 

Sherman started smoking when he was 15 years old and didn’t stop for 18 years. Like many, he had tried to kick the habit before but always ended up picking it back up.

“I really, really thought I was going to die a smoker,” said Sherman.

In 2017, a friend challenged him to quit and his competitive nature took over. 

“The first time I thought cold turkey was the way to go but, I really needed the extra help and accept that I’m not perfect,” said Sherman.

Sherman used every tool he could: nicotine patches, losenges, gum. He also used help from the New York State Smokers' Quitline, which provided him with quitting medications. He began working out as a way stay busy and to keep his mind off smoking, and it stuck.  

Sherman says it took him about six months to stop using nicotine all together and he’s watched his health change dramatically.   

“I don’t find myself just stopping to have a cigarette. It’s really about the breathing. I can push myself a lot further, a lot faster, and a lot longer," said Sherman.

Sherman has been smokefree for almost five years and he says he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. 

"It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and I wouldn’t change if for the world. I’d never go back to smoking, ever," said Sherman.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline has responded to 3 million calls since it started back in 2000. They help people form a plan, offer coaching and provide nicotine replacements for those who need it.

The number to call is 1-866-NY-QUITS and it operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.