When you are watching a friend or loved one struggle to stop smoking, it's easy to feel powerless. After all, it's their struggle, and many people conclude there really isn't anything they can do to help them. However, this is simply not the case. There are many ways friends, family and loved ones can assist in the quitting process.
Step 1
Be supportive. Although this may seem obvious, many people fail to realize just how important it is for the smoker to have a strong support system. Be there to listen to what the person is going through, to provide encouragement when times get tough and to let them know you are available to help throughout the entire quitting process.
Step 2
Refrain from being critical, judgmental or offering unsolicited advice. Although it can be incredibly frustrating to watch someone fall off the wagon or not follow through on goals, it is counter-productive to be anything but positive and supportive. Focus on getting the person back on track instead of on the mistakes that may have been made.
Step 3
Provide information. Providing the smoker with numbers of smoking cessation telephone quit lines, support groups and information about smoking cessations aids can help arm the person with the information she needs to successfully quit once and for all.
Step 4
Give the person suckers or hard candy for long car rides, bags of carrots or celery sticks for work-time cravings or simply sending cards or notes of encouragement; these are just a few examples of small things that can go a long way in helping the smoker on his quitting journey.
Step 5
Spend time with the person. One of the reasons why someone may choose to light up again is out of boredom. Keep the person busy with fun, enjoyable activities.
Step 6
Have a thick skin. Many people become irritable when quitting smoking; try not to let the person's negativity or grumpiness bother you.
Step 7
Celebrate milestones. Plan a small reward or fun activity for certain milestones that the person goes without smoking. This could be a day, a week, a month--whatever you and the smoker agree would be an important milestone.
Step 8
Be patient. Although quitting smoking is a long and difficult process, having your support will make things much easier for the person. Don't underestimate how valuable you may be to the person's eventual success at finally becoming a non-smoker.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are currently a smoker yourself but would like to support someone else, refrain from lighting up around the person or offering them cigarettes.
- Make sure the person talks to a doctor about potential side effects or risks before starting any sort of prescription smoking cessation product. Taking over-the-counter products to stop smoking may also have potential side effects, so be sure the person knows all the facts before taking them.
