How Can I Help Someone Who Is Trying to Quit Smoking?
Once a smoker has decided to try to quit, he is most likely to make it if family, friends, and co-workers give their help and support. Your support will be valuable as your friend moves through their quit plan. Encourage him or her to set a target quit date, and offer to help in any way needed. If your friend has not yet fully made up his mind to quit, help him think of his own reasons for quitting.
Keep in mind; quitting is different for each smoker. Ask your friend how you can be most helpful. This will show that you care and that you really want to help. Tell your friend that you think he can succeed this time; even if he has tried to quit before and failed. In fact, most smokers have to “practice” quitting a few times before they quit for good.
For the first few days after the smoker quits, be ready to help. He may want to talk all the time, or he may just want extra help when a tough situation comes up, such as a coffee break, a party, or a crisis at home or at work. Offer to call or visit to check on how he is doing. Ask how he’s feeling, not just whether or not he is still off cigarettes. No nagging, scolding, or preaching; these just don’t work. Instead, let him know how much you admire him for trying to quit.
Give lots of praise and offer rewards for getting through a day, a week, or a month without smoking. Rewards can be simple; flowers, a lunch treat, doing a chore around the house or office that your friend often does. Suggest doing things together, such as eating in the nonsmoking area of a lunchroom or restaurant, going to a movie, or taking a walk.
Your friend may not feel that he wants to quit. Cigarettes have been a steady friend for a long time. These feelings are normal even in smokers who succeed. Let your friend know you understand his doubts.