Stop Smoking

How can you help your loved one quit smoking?

Giving up smoking can be very difficult, especially if you're not the one who is attempting to stop. It can take a lot of your patience and compassion if a family member or a close friend wants to quit smoking. Remember that some actions and tips can backfire if you want to assist. 

Here are some suggestions to help you support the smoker as they quit. The more knowledge and understanding you have, the easier it will be. 

1. Express your concerns without lecturing.

Many smokers are already aware of the harmful effects of smoking. Yet, the higher risks of heart disease and lung cancer might not be sufficient dissuaders. According to a Reliable Source from the American Heart Association, nicotine may be at least as dangerous as cocaine and heroin. 

Some smokers, however, are unaware of the emotional and physical harm their habit does to loved ones. 

You can express your concern to your loved one by performing the following.

• Analysis of the costs. Then demonstrate to them the benefits your family could receive from the money spent on cigarettes over time, such as a trip, new furniture, or a nicer vehicle.

• Explain how their habit keeps them and even you out of social settings where smoking is prohibited. 

• Convey your desire to live a long life with them and your anxiety that their smoking will prevent you from doing so.

2. Come up with distractions.

Distractions can significantly help cure withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Offer to undertake one of the following activities with your spouse or loved one to keep them from smoking if they require one: 

• Play a game 

• Walk around 

• Watch a film 

• Make a new dish

• Attend a class that requires manual labor, like painting in the yard. 

• Pick a hobby or interest for your companion to help them escape their urges. 

Try to stay away from venues like bars and concerts where there might be other smokers.

3. Listen to them

Always be ready to listen. These changes might be tough to make. Don't add your own opinions, doubts, or suggestions. Moreover, bear in mind: 

• Assure your loved one that you are here for them if they need to talk. 

• When they express their emotions, pay attention. 

• Let them know that feeling irritable is normal.

4. Be patient and positive.

It can be challenging and tiring to support someone trying to stop smoking. Keep your attitude cheerful. Keep trying to help them. Your assistance is important. When someone stops smoking, it can make them cranky and unpleasant. So avoid: 

• Minding their emotions. 

• Telling them that it was easier to bear their moods when they were smoking. 

• Suggesting that it would be better if they start smoking again.

Cravings can be hard for a person to control. Don't let them lose faith in themselves to give up. Inform them that you are there for them.

5. Do not focus on the setbacks.

Don't let any slip-ups minimize their achievements or your support for them. When they have a setback, you can encourage them by: 

• reminding them of their progress 

• letting them know that the need for nicotine won't last 

• reassuring them that the signs of withdrawal won't stay forever 

• offering to assist in determining what caused the slip 

• Helping them alter their recovery plan is a strategy to help them avoid going back to nicotine intake again.

6. Be there for the long haul.

The difficulties associated with quitting smoking continue even after the final cigarette is burned. The craving appears even weeks or months after they quit it. Within the first three months of giving up, it's not unusual for ex-smokers to pick up the habit once more. 

Tell your loved one or relative that you intend to stick by them. Continue celebrating their smoke-free milestones and providing them with diversions to help them cope with cravings. They might only require your continued encouragement. 

7. Know when to get outside help.

While you may support your partner, knowing when to turn to outside help is equally important. Consider assisting your partner in finding behavioral treatment if they are going through a very tough time and exhibiting severe withdrawal symptoms. In addition, group treatment has benefits. Also, it provides social support from other smokers who want to stop smoking. 

Free success-tracking apps are available for both Apple and Android. They might be particularly useful if your partner or loved one is a visual learner.

8. Be supportive through the hard times.

The most crucial thing you can do to encourage your partner to quit smoking is to support them, especially during difficult times. 

Tobacco is a drug. A nicotine addiction can be physically and emotionally painful, especially if your spouse experiences cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

Most smokers fail on their first attempt. Several tries may be necessary to give up finally. Your spouse may keep trying and eventually succeed with your understanding and ongoing support.

Will vaping help you stop smoking? 

In the UK, e-cigarettes have already helped thousands of people quit smoking. 

According to an analysis from 2021, those who use e-cigarettes to stop smoking and receive expert face-to-face help can succeed up to twice as often as those who use traditional nicotine replacement solutions like patches or gum. 

You can better control your nicotine cravings by using an e-cigarette. Ensure you're using it as much as necessary and that the nicotine in your e-liquid is the proper strength to get the most out of it. You will not benefit from vaping unless you quit smoking completely.