How to Persuade Someone to Stop Smoking

Smoking is linked to several life-threatening diseases and conditions, including cancer, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease and more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking contributes to an estimated 438,000 deaths annually in the United States. Despite these statistics, about 47 million American men and women continue to smoke. If someone you love is a smoker, you can help persuade him to stop smoking and assist him throughout the quitting process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Internet access

1. Understand the smoker's addiction to nicotine. Nicotine, the primary ingredient in cigarettes, is absorbed into the blood and starts affecting the brain within seconds, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include anger, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating and irritation.

2. Tell your loved one that you are concerned about her health. Present her with information about the benefits of quitting smoking--including a longer life, decreased risk of cancer and heart attack
   and monetary savings.

3. Assist him in creating a quit plan, which may include the use smoking cessation pills, gums or patches. Help him research the assistance for quitting smoking that may be available through his employer or health insurance company.

4. Develop a positive attitude. Tell the smoker you believe in her ability to stop smoking.

5. Offer to be her "sponsor." Let the smoker know she can call you when she feels tempted or experiences nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

6. Resist your own temptation to get upset or yell when he "falls off the wagon." Encourage him to try again and remind him of the health benefits he's already experiencing.

7. Reward their progress with a celebration dinner or gift when they've succeeded in quitting smoking for a length of time, whether it's one month, six months or a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Being armed with research can be a big help in persuading someone to stop smoking. Rely on the facts to support your position.
• Quitting smoking is challenging, due to the varying levels of nicotine addiction, and can often require several attempts before the smoker is successful.
• Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can impact your life, too, so be prepared to deal with the smoker's anxiety and stress and try to be tolerant of what they're going through.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Heart Association
• National Institute on Drug Abuse

Resources

• Stop Smoking Benefits Timetable