Learn More: Stop Smoking
Helping a Smoker Quit: Do's and Don'ts
You can be a great help to a friend or family member who is trying to quit. But if you're not sure how, start with these simple tips:
DO
- DO respect that the quitter is in charge of quitting. It's his or her lifestyle change and challenge, not yours.
- DO offer to call or check in regularly, and try to be available when your friend or relative needs encouragement.
- DO keep the quitter stocked up on hard candy to suck on, straws to chew, and fresh-cut veggies to nibble.
- DO roll up your sleeves and help with chores that aren't "yours." Quitting is stressful, so do what you can do to help lighten the pressures of day-to-day life during this difficult transition.
- DO celebrate along the way! Quitting is a big deal, and each smoke-free day is a little victory.
DON'T
- DON'T take a quitter's grumpiness personally. It's the nicotine withdrawal at work, and the symptoms will pass in about 2 weeks. Really.
- DON'T offer advice. Just ask how you can help.
If you're a smoker, too . . .
DO consider trying to give it up at the same time -- it might be easier for you both. If you must smoke, do it out of sight –- and smell.
DON'T offer the quitter a smoke, even in jest!
In the event of a relapse . . .
DO offer big congratulations for trying and for small successful steps; and encourage learning from the experience -– and trying again. Once is frequently not enough.
DON'T stop supporting your loved one. Research shows that most smokers try to quit five to seven times before they succeed.
