Quitting smoking is perhaps one of the most difficult, yet most rewarding, experiences your partner will ever go through. According to the American Heart Association, more than 26 million men and 20 million women currently smoke. You can help your partner kick his habit and decrease these statistics by one; it's simply a matter of knowing how.
Step 1
Learn about nicotine addiction. Nicotine addiction is a real problem, not something your partner is using as an excuse to continue smoking. Before you can truly help him, you need to learn what nicotine does to his body. An excellent choice to help you understand your partner's addiction is "This Is Nicotine," by Karen Farrington.
Step 2
Find out why she smokes. People smoke for various reasons; some enjoy a cigarette after a good meal, while others just simply find it relaxing during stressful situations. Helping her discover why she lights up may just be the answer to helping her quit.
Step 3
Help him devise an alternate plan. Dr. Gayle Peterson of iVillage.com states that once you know why your mate smokes, you can then offer alternate activities to take the place of his cigarettes. For instance, if he smokes to relax, suggest taking a walk instead. If he smokes when conflict with another person strikes, suggest counseling to improve his communication skills, thus eliminating the need for nicotine.
Step 4
Buy her Allen Carr's smoking cessation book. Allen Carr first published this book in 1985 and ever since has helped more than 11 million people quit smoking, all without withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Buying your partner this book may very well be the best gift you have ever given her.
Step 5
Quit with him. The worst way to sabotage your partner's attempt to quit smoking is to continue smoking in front of him. If you really care about your partner quitting, quit with him. This not only displays your support for him but shows him you care about your health as much as his.
