How to Convince Someone to Stop Smoking

Smoking is a nasty addiction that not only worsens the health of the smoker and also hurts those aroung them. Convincing someone to stop smoking despite the obvious risks, is tricky and is commonly difficult. Knowing some ways to go about convincing someone to stop smoking will help give you direction and will better the chances they will actually quit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Show them what their lungs look like. Many people either don't believe or can't visualize the harm and damage smoking does to their lungs. Showing them a picture will help them physically see what smoking does. Pictures of smokers lungs compared to healthy lungs can be found on the Internet and in some health books.
2. Make them aware of the health risks. Although it is hard to miss all the warnings on the packages and commercials on television, still make the smoker aware of the health risks involved with smoking. You may find that the smoker doesn't fully know the health risks they are taking. A heightened level of awareness also allows the smoker to be better equipped to resist urges, if they so choose to quit smoking.
3. Demonstrate to them who their smoking will impact (directly and indirectly). Anyone who is around a smoker may be forced to inhale second-hand smoke and this puts their health in jeopardy. If the smoker is a parent, tactfully express to them that their smoking could take away precious time with their children and loved ones.
4. Add up the savings. Observer how much they spend on cigarettes in a week and give them the figures for a year. Smoking is not only an unhealthy habit, it is also an expensive one. Money is a great motivating factor for most people and it may be just the boost they need.
5. Remain persistent. At times it may seem like you are not getting through but being consistently persistent is the key when trying to break an addiction. Refrain from backing down from your position or becoming an enabler. Giving up on the person will only let them know it was not that important for them to quit from the beggining.
6. Have an intervention. This may seem extreme but there is strength in numbers. Hiring a professional facilitator or counselor may be wise as this will make them take the event seriously. Be ready with lots of encouraging comments and to surround the person with support after they have been confronted.

Tips & Warnings

• Try picking out smoking alternatives together.