How to Help A Friend

You can have a real impact on a friend's ability to quit smoking! Once a smoker decides to try to quit, he/she will be more successful when family, friends, and co-workers give their support.

Where to Start:
First of all, it is important to remember that quitting smoking is different for every person. As a support person you want to say and do the things that are going to be the most helpful for your friend. So, ask your friend how you can be the most helpful. This will also show that you care and really want to help them.

Ways to Help:
Give your friend encouragement. Tell him that he/she can do it this time, even if he/she has tried to quit in the past. For many smokers it takes “practice” quitting a few times before they quit for good.

Be ready to help. After a person quits, they may want to talk or want extra help to get through tough situations.

Offer to call or “check in.” Ask how they are feeling in general, not just if they are still off cigarettes.

Don’t nag, scold, or preach! Let them know that you care about them whether they quit or not. Tell them you admire them for quitting.

Give praise and offer rewards when they get through a day, a week, or a month without smoking. Rewards are a great way to reinforce the new healthy behavior change they are making.

Offer to go out to a non-smoking restaurant or to a movie. Become an exercise partner with your friend.

Remember, as a support person you are doing a great thing to help your friend quit smoking!