Helping a Loved One Quit Smoking: Effective Strategies & Resources

According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking does more than just damage the lungs. Smoking damages all organs of the body and causes at least 11 types of cancer, ranging from stomach cancer to leukemia. If someone you care about is a smoker, you can substantially reduce his risk of premature death by convincing him to stop smoking.

Instructions

• 1

  Suggest specific ways a smoker can quit. If a certain nicotine-replacement product failed before, tell the smoker about new smoking cessation drugs and products on the market.

• 2

  Ask the smoker how you can aid her quitting efforts. Perhaps the smoker wants a walking buddy to ease the jitters. Maybe the smoker would like text-message reminders to stay on target.

• 3

  Express empathy for the challenge that smoking cessation provides. Rather than saying, "Just do it cold turkey; you're strong," say, "I know this is a difficult time for you and that you miss your cigarettes. Take it one day at a time."

• 4

  Frame your argument in terms of your concern for him, using "I language." For example, instead of saying, "You have to quit because you're ruining your health," say, "I'm concerned about the effects smoking has on your health."

• 5

  Give smoking-cessation literature to the smoker only upon request. Pushing literature into someone's face is invasive and can offend the smoker.

• 6

  Remain positive in your efforts to convince someone to stop smoking. If you remind the smoker about her previous unsuccessful quitting attempts, your efforts could backfire.

• 7

  Offer your consistent support, even when the smoker has a setback in his quitting efforts. Instead of harping on his failure, say, "I know you can do this. Tomorrow will be a better day."