How To Help Someone Quit Smoking - What May Be Needed From You

by Davion Wong

Many of us were put in a dilemma regarding how to help someone quit smoking. Having a habitual smoker in the family can create tension and conflict, not to say how painful it is to see your loved one becoming totally trapped in the harmful habit. However, there things you can do from your side to assist your friend or family member on the path of quitting.

Remember that you cannot make their decisions for them. Smokers understand the risks. They have to decide that they want to quit. Once they do make that decision, you have to know how to help someone quit smoking. There are some things you can do.

1. The first thing you have to keep in mind is that they cannot quit all at once, so you have to be patient and encouraging. Cutting two or three cigarettes a day will be quite difficult. Agree that what they are doing is not easy, and that you admire them for it. Encouragement without impossible expectations is very important when you think about how to help someone quit smoking.

2. No matter what you think, you do not know exactly how to encourage them. Unless you are a smoker who has quit, do not tell them that you know how it feels. Instead, ask them how you can support them first. Asking them what they need from you is very important in answering the question how to help someone quit smoking.

3. Invariably, there will be a period, when the person feels very low and insecure. He or she may drop the idea of fighting the habit. Your faith and encouragement can become just the kind of a support your loved one needs.

4. When you think of how to help someone quit smoking, there are some simple things you may not even consider, but they can contribute to the process. Sit in non-smoking sections. Spend more time with the person. They need a good exercise regime when they are trying to quit, so go for walks. And stop nagging about how horrible the habit is!

5. Rewards are important. Even small achievements are difficult when you are trying to quit. Reward them for each small step. Waiting till you think there is something big enough that deserves a reward does not work.

The most essential thing to remember is - ultimately, you cannot make a decision on anybody’s behalf. It is the quitter’s choice and determination that will work in the long run. You may have an entire plan on how to help someone quit smoking, but it will be useless, unless the person firmly makes up his/her mind about it.

About the Author:

Learn some effective and quick ways to quit smoking that have helped thousands stop smoking. Explore more simple ways to quit smoking today.