Whether a person has been smoking for many years or just became addicted, you can help him quit if he wants to. However, a person has to be self-motivated to quit before he can even begin to think about quitting. For someone who does not smoke, a person's unwillingness to quit may be hard to understand, but it is important to remember that the nicotine in cigarettes is a powerful drug that produces undesirable physical and mental side effects if specific levels are not maintained in a person's body.
Step 1
List reasons she wants to quit. According to the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, when a person knows why she needs to quit, it will help her keep from smoking even when she experiences withdrawal symptoms. Talk with her about her decision to quit. Encourage her to write down the different reasons she is going to quit, such as her health and finances. Tell her to keep this list with her as she goes through the quitting process.
Step 2
Decide how he wants to quit. Quitting smoking can include the use of quitting aids such as nicotine patches or gum. The CDC recommends that a person quit smoking cigarettes entirely, instead of reducing the number of cigarettes he smokes over time, because this will make it harder to keep from increasing his cigarette intake during his time of need. Help him get the things he needs to quit, whether it is a quitting aid or regular gum to chew to replace the act of smoking.
Step 3
Schedule a quit date with her. Help her think about possible high-stress events or life changes that might be occurring in the near future. Avoid scheduling the date to quit close to these events.
Step 4
Offer your support and understanding once the person has quit. According to HelpGuide.org, when a person who is quitting smoking has supportive people who understand his decision to quit and his plan, it makes it easier for him to get through the rough times. Tell the person to talk with you anytime he is feeling the desire to smoke. Remind him about the reasons he decided to stop smoking in the first place.
Step 5
Find other things for her to do that do not involve smoking. Many people have trouble overcoming their addiction to smoking not just because of the nicotine, but because of the social addiction and routine places and times of day they usually smoke, notes HelpGuide.org. Help her learn new habits, such as taking a walk after lunch instead of smoking. Engage in social activities with her that do not involve smoking, such as going to the movies.
Step 6
Get him involved in stress reduction techniques. Take a yoga or mediation class together. Give him a gift to get a massage. Decreasing his levels of stress will decrease his desire to smoke. Many times, people turn to cigarettes in times of stress.
