It can be difficult to convince someone to quit smoking.It is possible that your smoker tried to quit, but failed.It is possible that they want to quit, but don't have the support they need to do so.That is where you come in.Your continued support will help convince your loved one to stop smoking.
Step 1: Determine the best way to approach your loved one.
It's a sensitive topic and it is a good idea to plan your approach first.Decide where you want to have the conversation.It is best to be familiar and comfortable.There is a way to bring the topic up without being abrupt.You want to reduce shock as much as possible.Prepare for the possibility of feelings being hurt.You reply with, "That's true and I'm not trying to tell you what to do."Appeal to their emotional side.They will be more likely to listen to your advice if they know your motivation is in the right place.Use what is important to them as an entry point.If they care about their kids, they should remind them about the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Step 2: Tell them about the harm that smoking causes.
Smoking is a bad habit, not only for the person who smokes, but the people around them as well.It is important to keep these messages positive.Don't make your loved one afraid.You want to keep them around for a long time, so tell them how much you love them.Lung cancer is caused by smoking.It is a known cause of osteoporosis, stroke, and depression.Encourage your loved one to preserve their beauty by avoiding smoking and yellow teeth.
Step 3: Encourage longevity by connecting with people.
Let them know how important their loved ones are to the people around them.A picture of a young person might serve as a daily reminder.
Step 4: Offer your support.
Make quitting easy for your loved one.If they need you, offer to be on the phone.Let them know that you will support them through the whole process.If possible, recruit others to join the support network as well.
Step 5: Come up with a plan of action for them.
A plan that your loved one can follow on a daily basis will help them avoid smoking.You can change the plan as needed, but this gives them something to refer to in the days to come.
Step 6: Allow them to be distracted.
Smoking becomes part of a smoker's daily routine.Building new habits is one of the most difficult parts of quitting.You can help them by recruiting other people to help.Ask them what they enjoyed about smoking.They can do something similar if they replace it with another activity.Offer to walk with them if they smoke on their work breaks.Ask them to help clean up if they smoke after a meal.Offer to share a cup of coffee with them if they start smoking in the morning.Don't go to bars or parties where alcohol is served if you smoke.If they get the urge to smoke, try to talk them out of it.
Step 7: Take care of withdrawal symptoms.
Some withdrawal symptoms will be experienced by your loved one.It is best to support them and address them head-on.They should be told that the symptoms are temporary.It is common to gain weight.If this happens, offer to work with them on their diet.It might be difficult to get a good night's sleep.Tell them to read a book, watch a television show, or write in a journal.Don't take their bad moods personally.Let them know that it's okay to have bad days.You should tell them how proud you are.The psychological withdrawal may last longer than the physical one.
Step 8: If they slip up, push them to keep trying.
Most people who quit smoking slip up at some point.It is normal, and it is okay.A lot of quitters will see it as a sign of failure and stop trying.The first 2 weeks are the most difficult.They should be reminded of all the reasons they should quit.Let them know that they still have a chance to quit.They know what to avoid if they identify thetrigger.
Step 9: Contribute to milestones and successes.
It's not easy to quit smoking.Reward their efforts along the way.They remind your loved one that they are still moving in the right direction.They will save money when they quit.Suggest that they treat themselves when they quit smoking.Hawaii, anyone?Incremental rewards and praise are important.Positive feedback and rewards are helpful reminders of progress.
Step 10: Make sure to check in with them.
It is up to them to let you know how they are doing.Do you want to ask?You should keep an eye on how they are progressing so you know when to offer more support.
Step 11: There is a suggestion to see a professional.
It might be time to get the help of a professional if you can't provide enough support.People can be helped to quit smoking.Group therapy can offer more support.
Step 12: Go to a group session with them.
A lot of people don't like going to group therapy sessions.Offer to attend with them to help ease their anxiety.Many communities have groups that help people quit smoking.
Step 13: Suggestions for nicotine patches or gum.
Many people quit smoking with the help of nicotine patches and gum.You could suggest that your loved one try them out.If you don't consult with your doctor, you'll start on the wrong dose.Cessation products are the most effective when the person is willing to quit.
Step 14: They should be provided with helpful resources.
Be prepared to give them any resources they might need.Give them a list of free or low-cost options if they can't afford a therapist.You can give them resources on the same websites you found them on.Smoking cessation programs can be found online at websites like smokefree.gov.
Step 15: Suggest an appointment with their doctor.
Their doctor may be able to provide resources for their profession.It is always a good idea to let your healthcare professional know about things like this.Chantix can help someone quit.
Step 16: Smoking statistics should be researched.
Nicotine is addictive.There are many resources that can help you understand addiction.It is a good idea to search online.Statistics are broken down by demographic by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about quitting smoking are provided by the American Lung Association.There is a full report on the health consequences of smoking from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Step 17: Take your notes.
The more important statistics and facts can be written down on a piece of paper.It is possible to refer to them when you are trying to convince your loved one to stop smoking.
Step 18: Discuss healthcare with a healthcare professional.
Statistics give a broad snapshot of the effects of smoking and nicotine addiction, but talking to a healthcare professional can give you more information about your situation.
Step 19: Talk to someone who has quit.
Someone who has quit smoking is more knowledgeable about quitting smoking than someone who hasn't.It might be a good idea to talk to more than one person.You won't get insight from online resources.