How to get someone to realize they need to stop smoking?
I have read the statistics of smoking cigarettes, but realize that people who smoke have to quit on their own. My friend is about to become a dad and am worried about his health and how it will effect the baby, even though he smokes outside, away from everybody around him. He’s tried to quit but can’t. I know it is difficult but how can I get him to realize that he should stop smoking?
August 08 2009 07:36 pm | News
August 8th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Instructions
1.
Step 1
Avoid nagging, preaching or scolding to prevent hurt feelings, irritation and increased stress, all of which may cause the smoker to turn to a cigarette for comfort.
2.
Step 2
Remind the smoker how proud you are of him and celebrate milestones along with the smoker. This will help the smoker feel supported and encourage him to remain smoke-free.
3.
Step 3
Offer the quitter tools to help her quit, such as chewing gum, hard candy, snacks and water.
4.
Step 4
Distract the smoker from wanting a cigarette by getting him out of the house or away from places that trigger the desire for a cigarette. Go for a walk, see a movie or go shopping.
5.
Step 5
Respect the smoker’s wishes and avoid calling or dropping by uninvited. Grumpiness and irritability are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and the smoker may desire to spend some time alone.
6.
Step 6
Do not talk down to the smoker, even if you successfully quit in the past. The last thing a person wants to hear when quitting smoking is how easy it was for someone else. Be encouraging and offer support and understanding.
7.
Step 7
Avoid pointing out any weight the smoker may gain while quitting. According to Brown University, some smokers gain a considerable amount of weight during and following a quit, but most of that weight eventually falls off.
8.
Step 8
Prepare yourself for dealing with the smoker’s withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms such as trouble sleeping, irritability, restlessness, forgetfulness and anxiety can be upsetting for both the person trying to quit and everyone else around her. Remember that these symptoms will pass with time and do not take any of them personally.
9.
Step 9
Praise the smoker for trying to quit, even if he has a relapse. According to the American Cancer Society, most smokers try to quit five to seven times before they are successful. A relapse should be seen as practice for a successful quit in the future, not as a failure. Do not make the smoker feel guilty for relapsing.
10.
Step 10
If you smoke, hide your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays and anything else that may be a trigger for the smoker. Smoke outside and never offer a cigarette to someone attempting to quit smoking, even as a joke.