1. Quit Together
While it may be a cliche, misery does love company. There's something to be said for having a friend to commiserate with while you quit smoking. You and your friend can lean on each other when you feel the urge to smoke. You can vent about the physical challenges of quitting. You can keep each other company when all your other smoker friends gather for cigarette breaks. Best of all, you can celebrate each others' milestones on the journey to becoming smoke-free.
2. Distract Them
Quitting smoking is just as much mental as it is physical. There will be moments when your friend will become discouraged. If you're a smoker, it may be difficult for you to be supportive, but dig deep and encourage your friend to stay strong. Nonsmokers can offer special support by offering to go to a movie, visit a bookstore or go for a walk. You can also talk about the health and financial benefits of quitting. Remind your friend he'll look, smell and feel better. Plus, quitting a pack-a-day habit could save him a small fortune over the course of a year alone. Talk to your friend about how that money can go to, for example, paying down debt or going on a vacation. One way or another, get your friend's mind off of the negative and onto the positive.
3. Lead Them Not Into Temptation
For many people, smoking is a social act. If your friend decides to quit smoking, he may need to avoid certain social settings and peers for at least a while. If you know your friend likes to light up when the two of you stop for drinks after work, skip happy hour. If you know there are people in your social circle who continue to smoke, make plans without them until your friend feels she has enough control over her addiction to avoid lighting up. Seek alternatives to venues and activities that will trigger your friend's urge to smoke.
4. Address the Elephant in the Room
Smoking suppresses the appetite, which means many, though not all, smokers are thinner than non-smokers. The fear of gaining weight is actually a powerful disincentive to many smokers who are considering quitting. It's not entirely unfounded. Many smokers gain up to 10 pounds when they quit thanks to an increased appetite, slowed metabolism and poor food choices. If your friend is worried about gaining weight while she quits smoking, start an exercise routine with her. Even just walking for 30 minutes a day will give your friend's metabolism the boost it needs to keep the weight off. Surprise her with a bag of baby carrots or celery sticks to munch on. These "anytime" foods will satiate your friend's need for an oral fix while also filling her up with healthy, low-calorie alternatives to junk. And even if your friend does gain weight, remind her that the benefits of quitting quite literally outweigh any additional weight she may put on while quitting smoking.
