Quitting Smoking: Getting Support

Content provided by Healthwise

Introduction

You've made a big decision. You're going to quit smoking.

Quitting is hard, and you probably know this. Maybe you've quit before. If so, that's normal. Most people quit many times.

What can you do to make it more likely that you'll kick the habit for good?

One important part of quitting smoking is getting help from those around you. Your family, friends, coworkers, and community groups all can help you.

The following information also applies if you use other tobacco products, such as chew or snuff.

Key points

• Tell people that you're trying to quit. Don't hide your attempt because you're afraid people will see you fail. Most people know how hard it is to quit smoking and that many smokers have to try several times before they succeed.
• Support can help you quit smoking, and experts recommend getting support from friends, family, and coworkers.¹
• Support can come from lots of people. Your family and friends can help you stop smoking, but you also can find help from others.
• Support comes in many forms. It can be positive words and actions, helpful tips, or gentle reminders to stay on track.

 What is support?

 Why do you need support?

 How can your family and friends help you?

 Where to go from here

Quitting smoking can be hard. Here are some tools that can help you do this:

Should I use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking?

Should I take medicine to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking: Dealing with weight gain

Quitting smoking: Helping someone quit

Quitting smoking: Preventing slips or relapses

Return to topic:

Last updated:	April 14, 2008
Author:	Paul Lehnert
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Katy E. Magee, MA, Michele Cronen