Cub Lea is looking for some support.
A local smoker, Lea has tried everything he can to kick the habit, but now, he's come up with a plan to put his money where his mouth is.
Lea is putting up $2,500 of his own money that will go to other smokers who can help prevent him from lighting up for the next two weeks.
Lea, a smoker for decades, has struggled to quit many times before, but is hoping a support group of like-minded people end their nicotine habits.
"It's basically a desperate plea for help if you want to get down to brass tacks," said Lea, who stopped by the Daily Townsman on Tuesday to take out an advertisement explaining his situation.
"I don't think it's any secret that where we're at in terms of dealing with addictions and compulsive behaviours is pretty primitive," Lea said.
"We just haven't made the breakthrough that gets us to the next level. So we have programs that work, but when you look at success rates in the teens in these programs, we can't be proud of what we're doing—a lot of people are getting left behind."
Whether it's the nicotine patch or e-cigarettes or trying to quit cold-turkey and relapsing, nothing has worked for Lea over the years.
He's even considered going to retreats where he can be locked away under 24-hour surveillance in order to detox, however, the cost is always an issue.
"I realized a couple years ago that I simply don't have the will to do it on my own," Lea said. "I practically need babysitting. I need something to distract me from the craving, from the need.
"I think it's just as important that I be in a situation where I can help someone else to add to the motivation."
Lea is looking for roughly eight to ten people to be a part of the group. He can be contacted at cublea@cyberlink.ca or at 778-517-5065.