Despite the numerous health warnings about smoking cigarettes, some teens still do it. Their reasons vary. Some do it to fit in with their friends, while others do it to appear edgier or older. They might think they can stop smoking anytime they want, but when they are faced with the challenge of actually quitting, they realize how addictive nicotine truly is. You can offer your teen support if she is having trouble kicking the habit, but, ultimately, she has to be the one who tosses her last pack of cigarettes.
Step 1
Ask him to write down all the reasons he thinks he should quit smoking. People who want to change their lives in some way are typically more successful if they put their goal in writing, says MayoClinic.com. Give him some tips to get the ball rolling. For example, quitting smoking will give him more stamina, make him healthier, improve his breath, improve the smell of his clothes and give him more spending money.
Step 2
Calculate the specific cost of her smoking habit. Add that number to the list of reasons to quit. Add up how much her cigarettes are costing her per week, month or year. Use the final number to determine what else she could buy with it, such as a new electronic gadget or new clothes, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Ask him to mark the household calendars with a quit date if he's having trouble letting go. Encourage him to tell that date to everyone who knows he smokes so that he will stay accountable.
Step 4
Discuss what caused your teen to start smoking and help her come up with ways to avoid triggers. If, for example, she started smoking because a certain friend smokes, she might be able to resist temptation if she stops spending time around that friend, says MayoClinic.com. If she believes she started smoking out of boredom, encourage her to substitute cigarettes with hard candies and gum.
Step 5
Sign him up for new activities. Staying busy with a new hobby will help distract him from his triggers, says the Nemours Foundation. Active hobbies, in particular, can help him keep his energy up and his weight down as he goes through nicotine withdrawals, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Step 6
Discuss nicotine replacements with your teen's doctor if your teen still has trouble quitting. The doctor can assess your teen's needs and recommend a replacement, such as a nicotine gum, patch, nasal spray or inhaler, says the Nemours Foundation.
Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Paper
- Calendar
- Calculator
