The American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, states that support is important when you decide to quit smoking. You can ask for help from family members and friends and join a local quitters group. It might be hard to attend a group regularly if you are busy, or you might want access to immediate support as a supplement to your other resources. An online support forum fills those needs because it is available whenever you need it, as long as you have an Internet connection.
Step 1
Set a specific date on which you plan to quit smoking. Choose a date a few weeks in the future so you have some preparation time. This will give you a chance to put a strong support system in place, including an online forum and personal sources. The Mayo Clinic cites support as the most important part of your quitting strategy.
Step 2
Locate one or more support forums. Your doctor can refer you if you are using medication to help you quit, as many drug manufacturers provide forums to help users of their products. You can also find forums through anti-smoking groups such as the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society. Read some of the posts on each forum and sign up for the ones that are most appealing to you.
Step 3
Post daily on the support forums you have joined once you stop smoking. You can start in the days leading up to your quit date if you prefer. This regular posting on your status will give you accountability and keep your efforts to quit foremost in your mind. Post a message even if you had a bad day and slipped.
Step 4
Visit the support forums when you feel tempted to smoke. Cigarettes are addictive, but they also become a habit, according to the AAFP. You might have learned to grab one at certain times, like when you talk on the phone or have a cup of coffee. Replace that automatic behavior with healthy things, such as going online and posting about your status or making supportive replies to other posts.
Step 5
Share your successes on the support forum. For example, you can mention time frames like one week of being smoke free, one month and other milestones. You will get a boost as others congratulate you. Read other posts and compliment other forum members on their own successes.
Step 6
Link up with "quit buddy" if you find a compatible person on the support forum. Help Guide, a self-help website, explains that linking up with another person for one-on-one support will help you quit. Communicate through chat, email or phone as a supplement to your forum posts.
Tips and Warnings
- If you prefer real-time group support but don't have time to go to in-person meetings, consider an online meeting of the Nicotine Anonymous 12-step program. The group has meetings on the Internet and through phone conferences at various convenient times.
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Internet access
