The decision to quit smoking is ultimately up to the individual, but as a friend or relative, you can help point a smoker in the right direction. By pointing out the dangers of smoking while pledging assistance throughout the withdrawal process, you give the smoker in your life a support system and reason to quit. You can't force anyone to quit smoking, but you can make the quitting process seem more bearable when you're supportive and kind and not nagging and arrogant.
Step 1
Remind your friend or relative about the health benefits of quitting and the health risks of continuing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that smoking is the cause of 90 percent of all cancer deaths in men, as well as the cause for various other types of cancer. If your friend seems unconcerned about the health risks, remind him of the other negative aspects of smoking, for example, the smell on his clothes and hair, having to find a place to smoke and missing out on events in smoke-free venues.
Step 2
Show support without pressure, suggests Bucknell University. Tell your friend that if she should choose to quit smoking, you'd make yourself available to take her mind off cravings, distract her and be available via telephone when she's feeling tempted to light up. Perhaps she hasn't quit simply because she hasn't felt that anyone cared that she smoked cigarettes. Show that you care by offering your support service.
Step 3
Offer a reward for successfully quitting. You might plan a trip a few months in the future, but tell your friend he can only come along if he quits completely by that date. Or, use smaller rewards like dinner at a restaurant at the end of each smoke-free week. Make sure that you help your friend set realistic goals and rewards that make him want to quit and stay away from cigarettes altogether.
Step 4
Find resources to help your friend quit. Web sites like Kids Health offer easy-to-understand facts about smoking and real-life solutions for quitting. You might also find a support group that your friend can attend to mingle with other recovering smokers, suggests Help Guide. Or, you can recommend that your friend see her doctor for a prescription to help her kick the smoking habit altogether. Let her know it's OK if she can't do it alone.
Step 5
Avoid nagging, making ultimatums or withdrawing your support if your friend relapses or can't seem to quit. He likely feels guilty and being reprimanded by his support system can make him feel depressed and alone. If he relapses or shows little interest in quitting, continue your friendship as before and let him know you're still available to help him if he chooses to try again.
