In the United States 24.8 million men and 21.1 million women smoke, according to estimates from the American Heart Association. If you don't smoke, the odor and effects of secondhand smoke can be a problem, not to mention the health impact on the person you know who smokes. Communicating openly and honestly with someone can persuade them to think differently about their smoking.
Step 1
Research the health risks associated with long-term smoking. Discuss this information with the smoker, not to guilt him into changing, just to present him with the facts. Studies from organizations such as the National Cancer Institute have shown that smoking can cause respiratory diseases and even cancer. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a library of research performed each year on the effects of smoking.
Step 2
Describe the physical impact of his smoking (i.e. the smell of his skin, hair, breath, clothing, bedding and furniture). Smoking also affects the appearance of the smoker's hair and teeth.
Step 3
Discuss the impact of his smoking on children, if there are any in their home or if he has regular contact with children. Some smokers feel that their smoking only effects them; however, secondhand smoke is potent. Children can be more susceptible than adults to the effects of secondhand smoke because they are still developing, they have a higher breathing rate than adults and generally cannot control their internal environments. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, when children are exposed to secondhand smoke the risk of developing asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, pneumonia and middle-ear infections increases significantly.
If there are pets in the home, they too can be affected by secondhand smoke and often have limited access to fresh air.
Step 4
Share your feelings about the long-term impact of smoking. Smokers can develop serious health problems and advanced illnesses and can die as a result of their habit. Describe how you would feel if any of these things happened to the smoker in your life. The goal is to communicate your feelings honestly, not to give the person a guilt trip.
Step 5
Offer your support. Nicotine is an addictive substance. Deciding to stop smoking is a simple decision, but actually making the changes to cease the behavior can be very difficult. Offer the person suggestions on how to refocus his cravings (i.e. exercising or meditation) and offer your support to help him remember the benefits of not smoking. The American Heart Association offers some additional suggestions on how to be supportive.
