Helping A Smoker Quit: Do's and Don'ts

General Hints for Friends and Family

• Do respect that the quitter is in charge. This is their lifestyle change and their challenge, not yours.
• Do ask the person whether he or she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he or she is doing. Let the person know that it's okay to call you whenever he or she needs to hear encouraging words.
• Do help the quitter get what she or he needs, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator, etc.
• Do spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his or her mind off smoking – go to the movies or take a walk to get past a craving (what many call a "nicotine fit").
• Do help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking – whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting.
• Do celebrate along the way. Quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL!
• Don't take the quitter's grumpiness personally during his or her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms will pass in about two weeks.
• Don't offer advice. Just ask how you can help with the plan or program they are using.

How will my health improve by becoming a non-smoker?

Quitting smoking helps your circulation, your stamina, your skin, and your general health.

Your risk for coronary heart disease, the most common cause of death in the U.S., is cut in half after only a year without smoking. Quitting smoking also reduces the likelihood of having breathing problems and lung and other cancers. Studies have shown that smoking affects others as well as yourself.

Children of parents who smoke around the house are more likely to get respiratory infections than children from nonsmoking homes. Smoking is an addictive habit. Quitting smoking isn't easy but it can be done. Most former smokers make several attempts to quit before they are finally successful.

So, never say, "I can't." Just keep trying!