What To Do When You Want Someone To Stop Smoking

Trying to persuade someone else to quit smoking requires patience and respect. Because many smokers relapse the first few times they try to quit, it is up to you to remain positive and encouraging throughout the process. Nagging or degrading a smoker may lead to increased smoking and other destructive behavior. Instead, discuss quitting strategies and let the smoker know you will support his decisions when it comes to quitting.

Be Encouraging

Encouraging someone to quit smoking is different than lecturing about the harmful affects of smoking cigarettes, cigars or other forms of tobacco. Ask the smoker if she needs your help to quit. Offering help rather than lecturing on the disadvantages to smoking allows the smoker to feel more in control of the situation. With your help and support, the person will want to quit for themselves rather than because she no longer wants to hear you talk about how bad smoking is. Understand that quitting is a daily battle. Remain encouraging throughout, even if relapse occurs, to ensure the smoker quits for good.

Be Attentive

Be attentive to the needs of the smoker, especially during the first few days as this is when people miss smoking the most. Ask how the smoker is doing and offer gum or candy to ward off temptation. Do not smother the person, but check in often to show your support. It may take several attempts before a smoker quits forever. If this happens, offer your congratulations and ask what else you can do when the time comes to try again. Maintain a positive attitude to encourage him to keep trying.

Be Supportive

Be supportive by avoiding places where smokers tend to mingle. Find new activities to reduce the risk of encountering another smoker. Hiking, going to the movies, visiting friends and family (those who do not smoke) or engaging in a new hobby or activity are all ways to help someone overcome dependence on tobacco products.

Be Proactive

Visit the websites of organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Society to learn more about ways to quit smoking. Group or individual therapy, nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications such as chantix or zyban are options to consider. Provide literature about these options to show the smoker you are supportive and willing to help.

If You Smoke

If you smoke, you should try to quit as well. If you do not want to quit right now, but you want to help someone else quit smoking, do not smoke in front of her. Wash your hands after smoking to minimize tobacco odor. Never offer a cigarette or other tobacco product, even if you are trying to be funny as this may trigger a relapse. Explore the reasons why you should quit smoking. In many cases, quitting with a partner is easier than trying to quit alone.

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