How to Support Someone Who Is Trying to Quit Smoking

There is probably no betrayal worse than sabotaging the efforts of someone who is trying to change the unhealthy habit of smoking, yet many smokers report that their efforts to quit were undermined by friends and family. Smokers need lots of support as they work toward the big goal of becoming a non-smoker. Here are some steps to help you help them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Tell the quitter that you are confident he or she can succeed. Congratulate the quitter and let him or her know that you realize how difficult quitting will be.
2. Encourage the quitter to call you at any time if he or she gets the urge to smoke. Remind the quitter of the reasons he or she chose to quit smoking and tell him or her that the urge will pass within a few minutes.
3. Avoid serving the quitter alcohol or taking him or her to a place where alcohol is served. Many quitters relapse if they drink alcohol.
4. Offer the quitter company at times when his or her "smoking buddies" go outside to smoke. Invent a no-smoking-break where you and other supportive friends or colleagues can gather and chat while the smokers go outside. (In inclement weather, be sure to mention how uncomfortable the smokers must be.)
5. Take the quitter to no-smoking restaurants, theaters and other places where smoking isn't allowed.
6. Help the quitter manage stress. Offer to help him or her meditate, take a yoga class together or join him or her for a daily "walk and talk" so he or she doesn't turn to cigarettes when under strain. Many quitters benefit from deep breathing exercises.
7. Celebrate milestones with the quitter. Present him or her with a cupcake and candle each week that he or she is smoke-free. Arrange for larger celebrations after a month, and always remember to celebrate the anniversary of the day he or she quit smoking as if it were a second birthday.
8. Expect that the quitter will be grumpy, on edge or even hostile at times. No matter how uncomfortable things get, don't suggest that the quitter take up smoking again. This is like saying you'd rather he or she give into temptation rather than put up with a few difficult weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Many smokers try and fail to quit a few times before quitting for good. If your quitter begins to smoke again, don't lecture or preach. Instead let him or her know that you'll be there to help when he or she is ready to try again.