Quitting smoking is one of the most challenging moments in a loved one's life. Nicotine is a drug, and a very addictive drug at that. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it takes a mere seven seconds for nicotine to affect the brain once it is inhaled. It causes feelings of pleasure as the chemical dopamine is released. This explains why so many who attempt to quit experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings for weeks or even months afterwards. This is why your support is so very important to a loved one's quitting success.
Step 1
Be a quiet partner. The staff at Bucknell University states that it is better to listen to your loved one as he speaks about his cravings or desire for a cigarette. On the other hand, he may feel the need to discuss why he wants to quit. Show your support by listening quietly unless he asks for your opinion. Ultimately the only person who can make the decision to quit is him; forcing your ideas on him may only cause him to rebel and smoke for a longer period of time.
Step 2
Help divert the smoker's attention. When you notice she may be faltering and about ready to reach for a cigarette, nonchalantly offer to take a walk or play a game of basketball. These activities will not only take her mind off the cigarette, they will also release the feel-good chemicals in her brain that the nicotine would induce. Experiencing this adrenaline rush from another source may be enough to help her on her journey.
Step 3
Show him sympathy. There may be times when he becomes irritable and begins snapping at you for no apparent reason. He may suffer from headaches or become depressed. All of these are normal symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. If you have never smoked or tried to quit, telling him you know how he feels may only anger him. Instead, encourage him by pointing out how long he's made it without a cigarette, even if it's just a day. When quitting, even an hour without smoking is an accomplishment.
Step 4
Remind her of the benefits she is reaping from her decision to quit. Use caution when doing this though; you want to avoid sounding condescending. Instead, stay upbeat and tell her how good she smells and how much whiter her teeth have become. You can even mention the money she's saving and ask her what she plans on doing with all the saved money.
Step 5
If your loved one has a relapse, tell him it's okay and perfectly natural. In many cases those who try to quit need more than one attempt to do so. You also want to point out how long he actually quit for and tell him that you know he can accomplish his goal. Finally, assure him that you are there to help no matter what. Continue this until he is confident enough to try again.
Step 6
Offer rewards. For every milestone she hits, whether it be one day, one week or one month, give her a gift to let her know how proud you are that she has made it as far as she has. Celebrating, even on a daily basis for the first week or two, may be what she needs to help her through the toughest point in the attempt to quit smoking.
