A social smoker is one who smokes cigarettes to feel accepted. Often, these smokers will frequent establishments that allow smoking so they can socialize with other smokers. Unlike daily smokers or occasional smokers, social smokers don't usually smoke alone. A social smoker is likely to wait on another person to start smoking or to offer her a cigarette before lighting up herself. Because of the motivations associated with social smoking, the Department of Health and Human Services reports that stop-smoking aids, such as patches, gum and other nicotine replacement products aren't likely to work for social smokers.
Step 1
Change your social habits. If you head to the nightclubs on the weekends, you will be more likely to smoke since a lot of other people there smoke. Instead, go to a movie or have dinner in the non-smoking section with your friends.
Step 2
Make a contract with yourself. Put your pledge to stop social smoking in a contract with yourself. Place this pledge in a place where you will see it before you go out with friends. Consider making a small pledge card that fits in your purse or wallet so you have it when you go out.
Step 3
Remember that you are harming your friends when you smoke due to secondhand effects. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that this reminder will help many social smokers kick the habit.
Step 4
Enroll in a support group for social smokers. A support group that is composed of social smokers will provide the social acceptance needed for other social smokers to quit. The members of the support group can forge friendships and develop a social support system to encourage smoking cessation. If you are unsure of where to find a support group, contact your doctor or community center for information on groups in your area.
