According to several researchers, most people trying to quit smoking fail several times before finally tasting success. As a friend, it is your responsibility to never give up hope and always support and encourage your loved one. Discussed below are the dos and don’ts for a person who is helping family or friends to quit smoking.
Dos:
Do show respect to the quitter for taking the challenge to quit smoking. Not having a cigarette is a big lifestyle change and hence the smoker needs to be made aware of how proud you are about this decision.
Do ask the quitter whether he wants you to inquire his progress regularly on the smoking-cessation program
Do tell the quitter that you are always there for him when he feels low or want to hear motivational words that will help him keep on track with the quitting task
Do plan activities with the quitter to help him keep his mind away from smoking. Plan out movie outings, go for walks or go for a bike ride. The initial few day of quitting are critical if you can help the quitter stay away from the craving, you are doing your part effectively.
Do help your friend get the stuff he needs like a candy to suck on or a straw to chew as an alternative to cigarettes. You can help him with a serving of fresh vegetable and fruits to take away his mind of smoking.
Do try and see things from a smoker’s perspective. Smoking is like an old companion for smokers who is always there with them in times of happiness and sorrow. Hence, it is hard to give up this habit.
Do help your friend in chores that can ease up his stress for instance, some child care or cooking
Do celebrate the progress of the quitter from time to time. Make the quitter believe that quitting this habit is a real big deal and he is doing great in it.
Don’ts
Don’t ever lose your patience along the way.
Don’t scold, nag or preach. This might make the quitter feel worse about him. This may in fact make him light a cigarette to ease the pain. This is obviously not your motive hence do not go strict or scold the smoker.
Don’t take the quitter’s irritability personally as while withdrawing from nicotine a smoker is bound to behave this way. The symptoms such as grumpiness usually phase out in a matter of two weeks.
Don’t give advices. It is better to just ask how you could be of help in the smoking-cessation program
What if the quitter slips?
Don’t think that the quitter will get back to smoking like before. Slipping i.e. taking a cigarette or two is a common event when a person is in the process of quitting.
Do remind the quitter about the reason he started the quitting program in the first place and make him forget about the slip at the earliest
Do let the quitter know how long he went without smoking before the slip
Don’t ever scold or nag or make the smoker feel guilty about the act. Ensure the quitter that you are concerned about him regardless of his smoking habit.
