How to Help a Teenager Quit Smoking and Drinking

According to the American Lung Association, it is estimated that 4.5 million teenagers smoke cigarettes. The 2007 Youth Risk and Behavior Survey reported that 26 percent of teenagers participated in binge drinking within the past 30 days. Teenage smoking and drinking can continue throughout adulthood and negatively affect their overall quality of life. When combined, smoking and drinking can create an intensified effect that is greater than just doing one or the other, making it harder to quit. Adults must play an active part in helping teenagers to quit smoking and drinking.

Instructions

1. Be sure that your teenager understands the dangers of smoking and drinking. Irresponsible drinking can lead to a lack of judgment. As a result, teens under the influence of alcohol can make choices that have deadly consequences, such as drinking and driving or drinking too much. Let them know that it is against the law in the United States to drink under the age of 21 or smoke under the age of 18. Explain to them that smoking and drinking can negatively affect their schoolwork and participation in sports. Listen to and address any concerns about quitting that your teenager may have.

2. Set a quit date. Be supportive but firm about what is expected in the quit process. Be your teenager's accountability partner and help her hold true to the quit date. Work to make sure that she does not have access to cigarettes and alcohol after the quit date. If you smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol, do not leave them in a place accessible to your teenager.

3. Try to keep your teen away from all sources of negative peer pressure that will tempt him to smoke and drink. Assure him that he does not have to smoke and drink to be cool or fit in. Give tips on ways to refuse offers of cigarettes or alcohol from friends.

4. Help them cope with withdrawal symptoms. Similar withdrawal symptoms for smoking and drinking include headaches, problems sleeping, nervousness and anxiety. Each person responds differently to the withdrawal process. If your teenager uses alcohol heavily, she may need to go to a rehabilitation facility so that she can get specialized treatment.

5. Model appropriate behavior for your teenager. Be a responsible drinker. Do not drink or smoke in front of him while he is trying to quit.

Tips & Warnings

• The American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association offer programs in local communities to help people quit smoking. Alcoholics Anonymous is a support group that is available for those that need help to quit drinking, as well.

• Seek professional help if your teenager continues to smoke and drink or has problems with quitting. Consult a doctor before giving a teenager medication to help him quit smoking. Most of these medications have not been tested in persons under the age of 18.