Approximately 70 percent of current smokers would like to quit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although many smokers who try to quit on their own are not successful and begin smoking again, being armed with the right information and having the right support system can increase the likelihood of success. Those interested in helping a friend stop smoking can do many things to increase their friend’s chances of remaining cigarette-free for good.
Step 1
Talk to your friend. Although you may have many ideas to help, it is important to ask your friend what they need from you. Listen to her reasons for wanting to quit, as well as the kind of support she wants during the quitting process.
Step 2
Help your friend pick a quit date. The American Cancer Society notes that picking a quit date is a very important step in the smoking cessation process. The day should be far enough in the future so that there is time to prepare, but not too far ahead that it would give your friend time to change his mind.
Step 3
Explore different smoking cessation options with your friend. Some people want to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke each day, while others prefer to stop all at once. Certain medication may make the quitting process easier, but often need to be started a week or two before the quit date.
Joining a smoking cessation program, seeking counseling or buying nicotine replacement products may also prove useful. Share as much information as you can about these options with your friend, and respect whichever method she selects.
Step 4
Prepare for the quit date. Planning enjoyable activities in places where smoking isn’t allowed, such as museums or movie theaters, may help. Physical activities, such as walking, hiking, biking or playing sports, may also prove useful. Make sure your friend has plenty of physical items he could use as a physical substitute for cigarettes, such as hard candy, lollipops, water or juice.
Step 5
Refute her rationalizations. Many smokers often try to rationalize their way out of their decision to quit. Some may say that they’ve decided the timing isn’t right or having “just one more” wouldn’t be so bad. When this happens, refrain from being critical or judgmental, but remind your friend of the reason why she wanted to stop in the first place and explain that there will never be a better time to quit.
Step 6
Offer to attend a smoking cessation program or group counseling session with your friend. If your friend feels uncomfortable with these things, see if he would call a smoking cessation support line if he is having difficulty with the quitting process. The National Cancer Institute notes that people who participate in smoking cessation programs are more often successful quitting for good.
Step 7
Continue to offer support. Quitting smoking is a much longer and more difficult process than many people realize. Your friend may need your help the most at the start, but she will also need your support in the upcoming weeks and months to come. Continue to remind your friend that you are there for her throughout this entire process.
Tips and Warnings
- Some people find it easier to quit smoking by changing their routines. Talk to your friend about new routines he can establish that may help break the triggers that often have him reaching for a cigarette, suggests the website BecomeAnEx.org.
- As much as you want to see your friend succeed, it is ultimately up to her. The American Cancer Society notes that only four to seven percent of people are able to quit smoking without medications or other help, and only 25 to 33 percent of smokers stay smoke-free for over six months. Be supportive and continue to encourage her to quit, but avoid getting angry or upset with her if she relapses or begins smoking. Doing so may cause conflict and damage your friendship.
