Smoking is responsible for approximately one out of every five deaths each year in the United States, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death. Despite that fact, many people who smoke have difficulty quitting because nicotine is addictive. Once your husband makes the decision to stop smoking, he will need your support.
Step 1
Throw out all smoking-related objects like ashtrays in the house and vehicles. He is more likely to start smoking again if the smoking related objects are in full view and ready to be used again. By throwing them all away, you also show him that you have full confidence that he can quit.
Step 2
Remind him of the health benefits of quitting. There are numerous health complications caused by smoking, including lung cancer, macular degeneration, heart attacks and blood vessel diseases, states the American Cancer Society. Once he stops smoking, these risks are reduced.
Step 3
Plan outings away from places where people smoke. As of July 5, 2010, American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation states there are 3,161 municipalities that have restrictions on where smoking is allowed. In some areas, smoking is banned in public places like movie theaters and restaurants. Your husband is less likely to want to light up a cigarette if no one around him is smoking.
Step 4
Help him deal with withdrawal symptoms. He may have trouble sleeping, seem depressed, become irritable, get hungry or have trouble concentrating, according to Smokefree.gov. If you notice any of these symptoms, try to help him come up with ways to cope. For example, exercising may help him to cope with many of these symptoms.
Step 5
Keep things around that will help him deal with cigarette cravings. Gum, carrot sticks, hard candy and other crunchy foods are options. Most urges to smoke abate in two to three minutes, notes the CDC.
Tips and Warnings
- If you husband is using smoking cessation products like patches, gum or replacement cigarettes, make sure he has plenty of them on hand.
