The number of smokers goes down each year and that’s definitely a good thing. Smoking has declined from 20.9% (nearly 21 of every 100 adults) in 2005 to 14.0% (14 of every 100 adults) in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If someone in your life smokes and wants to be among those who have successfully quit, you’ll surely want to do everything you can to help them reach their goal.
But if you don’t quite know how to properly offer the kind of support that will encourage but not pressure them, we can help you out.
Help Them Come Up With A Plan
It’s not easy to quit smoking. In fact, it may be one of the hardest things that a person ever had to do. That’s why it’s a good idea to come up with a plan before attempting to break the habit. Help the person in your life who’s trying to quit by coming up with a step-by-step process that will be safe and doable.
Make sure to write down the plan so that they can refer to it when needed and so that both of you can keep them on track.
Encourage Them To Ask Their Doctor About Options
When a person quits smoking, their body immediately starts to feel the effects. As the hours, days, weeks, and months pass, their body will continue to adjust to the lack of toxins.
In order to make this process as safe as possible, it’s important to consult a doctor and monitor changes (and likely improvements) in health as time goes on.
Respect Their Choices Around Quitting
There are various ways to try to quit smoking and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for someone else. And the person who wants to quit may have to try a few different methods before they find something that works for them.
What makes things even more difficult is when those who have good intentions start questioning every decision. As the person in your life is navigating this tricky path, be sure to respect the choices they make for themselves around quitting.
Let Them Know They Can Lean On You
While the person in your life is quitting smoking, they may need someone to discuss options with or to complain to about how hard the process is. Let them know that you’ll be there for them when they’re not feeling their strongest or need a little outside strength, support, and encouragement.
Ask Those Around You To Be Supportive
While it’s definitely awesome that you’re willing to help out, it would be even better if everyone around you were also on board. Talk to your friends, family, and even coworkers (if it’s appropriate) and ask them to also be supportive.
Get Rid Of All Temptations And Traces Of The Habit
It will be easier for the person in your life to quit smoking if they don’t have constant reminders of the habit around them. Be sure to remove cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters, and clean any clothing, linens, furniture, or car interiors that smell like smoke.
