The American Lung Association and most other health care professionals agree that smoking is extremely harmful to your health, yet every day new smokers are born. Discouraging smoking can be very difficult to do, especially if you are trying to keep your children from picking up the habit. Presenting your case in a clear-cut and honest way can lead to a constructive conversation about smoking, and in some cases, could discourage would-be smokers from smoking their first cigarette.
Step 1
Set a good example for your friends and family and don't smoke yourself. MayoClinic.com endorses this method of discouraging smoking, saying that teenagers are more likely to smoke if their parents are smokers. Discouraging any type of behavior is difficult if you are exhibiting contradictory behavior, sending mixed messages to your family.
Step 2
Share unsavory yet true facts about smoking that might dissuade someone close to you from smoking. The American Lung Association states that 69 of the more than 4000 chemicals present in cigarette smoke can cause cancer, not only in smokers but the sufferers of second-hand smoke. The ALA also reports that over 8 million people in the United States are directly affected by smoking-induced illnesses ranging from lung disease, aortic aneurysm, heart attack and cataracts.
Hearing these staggering statistics may make some people think twice about beginning a nicotine habit.
Step 3
Discuss the cosmetic effects of smoking in an attempt to discourage the addiction. MayoClinic.com explains that smokers' teeth often take on a yellow hue and that smokers can suffer from chronic bad breath. People who smoke may also suffer from premature wrinkling of the skin and look older than their years.
Step 4
Support your local government's legislation regarding taxes on cigarettes and bans on smoking inside public buildings. Doing your part to make smoking more difficult might send a message to those close to you that you do not support tobacco products or smoking as a recreational activity.
