Most smokers accept that smoking is a dangerous activity that causes heart disease, cancer, stroke and emphysema. The health risks of smoking, either alone or in combination with other factors such as cost, smell or inconvenience, tempt many smokers to quit. Nicotine is one of the most difficult drugs to stop using, according to the American Lung Association. Smokers who are trying to quit need all the support available to be successful. If you know someone who is trying to stop smoking, there are numerous ways to help and offer support.
Instructions
1. Avoid nagging, preaching or scolding to prevent hurt feelings, irritation and increased stress, all of which may cause the smoker to turn to a cigarette for comfort.
2. Remind the smoker how proud you are of him and celebrate milestones along with the smoker. This will help the smoker feel supported and encourage him to remain smoke-free.
3. Offer the quitter tools to help her quit, such as chewing gum, hard candy, snacks and water.
4. Distract the smoker from wanting a cigarette by getting him out of the house or away from places that trigger the desire for a cigarette. Go for a walk, see a movie or go shopping.
5. Respect the smoker's wishes and avoid calling or dropping by uninvited. Grumpiness and irritability are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and the smoker may desire to spend some time alone.
6. Do not talk down to the smoker, even if you successfully quit in the past. The last thing a person wants to hear when quitting smoking is how easy it was for someone else. Be encouraging and offer support and understanding.
7. Avoid pointing out any weight the smoker may gain while quitting. According to Brown University, some smokers gain a considerable amount of weight during and following a quit, but most of that weight eventually falls off.
8. Prepare yourself for dealing with the smoker's withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms such as trouble sleeping, irritability, restlessness, forgetfulness and anxiety can be upsetting for both the person trying to quit and everyone else around her. Remember that these symptoms will pass with time and do not take any of them personally.
9. Praise the smoker for trying to quit, even if he has a relapse. According to the American Cancer Society, most smokers try to quit five to seven times before they are successful. A relapse should be seen as practice for a successful quit in the future, not as a failure. Do not make the smoker feel guilty for relapsing.
10. If you smoke, hide your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays and anything else that may be a trigger for the smoker. Smoke outside and never offer a cigarette to someone attempting to quit smoking, even as a joke.
Tags: trying quit, offer support, smoker feel, smokers quit, that trigger, with smoker