Help Your Loved One Quit Smoking

Smoking Cessation

By Mary Kearl
Why Your Help Mattters

"Half of smokers will die of smoking-related health problems, so it's terribly important for loved ones and familymembers to help them quit," says Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. No matter how much damage smokers have done to their lungs, they can slow it. The greatest chance of successfully quitting comes with a combined approach, medication along with a support system, says Dr. Edelman. So what can you do to help? Find quit assist methods here.

Know What to Expect

"A person has to want to quit," says Michael Thun, MD, medical expert for the American Cancer Society. As a loved one your efforts can only go so far, but you can be an attentive listener and guide during the quitting process. The basic phases include deciding when and if to quit, choosing a quit-date and plan, surviving withdrawals and relapses," says Dr. Thun. Nagging someone to stay quit doesn't work, but the support of a child can be very powerful, says Dr. Thun.

Help Set Realistic Goals

Help pick a quit-date, usually 10 days ora few weeks in the future is best. Strategize ways to fight potential slips and cravings -- like taking a walk, drinking water, chewing gum, calling a friend or eating a healthy snack. Make sure you discuss how she or he will deal with relapse. According to the American Lung Association the average person is successful after 2-4 quit attempts.

Celebrate Successes

"Be a cheer leader," says Dr. Edelman. Celebrate the first smoke-free day, week, month, until quitting is second nature. When a loved one of Dr. Thun's was trying to quit, his children sent her a "quit calendar" with a sticker to wear on every day she didn't smoke.

Have the Sex Talk

Many people think of quitting when they get pregnant, now recent studies show that a man's pack-a-day habit can make him nearly 40 percent more likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction than men who don't smoke. Women who smoke have a harder time getting pregnant, and women who breathe second-hand smoke have many pregnancy risks, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or stillborn, and birth-risks including small birth weight, increased illnesses, and learning problems.

Quit Together

"If there are two smokers in a household the very best way to quit is to quit together," says Dr. Edelman. The two of you can keep each other going by saying, "We made the first week together, let's try the next week and one more and one more," says Dr. Edelman.

What Not to Do

If you are a smoker (even a social one), don't smoke or talk about smoking. Don't put them in avoidable trigger situations like drinking, gambling, high-stress environments, or grabbing a cup of coffee. If your friend has gained weight since quitting, don't comment. "It's far better to gain a few pounds than die of a smoking related disease," says Dr. Edelman. Also, if tossing out cigarettes has made your loved one crankier, don't fight back, cautions Dr. Edelman.

Be a Non-Smoking Friend

Do whatever it takes to be helpful and supportive during cravings and relapses. Be the person to talk to on the phone with, to take a walk with during a party where people are drinking and smoking. Provide a social outlet if your friend isn't ready to hang out with his or her smoking friends.
Image credit: Stockdisc

Talk About Who It Hurts

If your loved one lives with anyone or has children, he or she will most likely pass on smoking-related health problems like heart disease and lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke to those they love (maybe evenyou). So, talk to them about the facts. Kids exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for acute respiratory infections, ear problems, more frequent and severe asthma attacks and now studies show allergies too. Children of smokers are more likely to smoke. The good news is smoking teens whose parents quit smoking are 1.5 times more likely to quit, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Image credit: Getty Images

Talk About Reward$

Help them calculate their savings from quitting. The average smoker spends upwards of $1000 a year on cigarettes. But not just that, other smoking costs include teeth cleanings, paying to clean cigarette smoke out of clothes, furniture and linens. There are health costs too; American smokers spend about $50 billion each year for smoking-related illnesses, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Image credit: Getty Images