Decide where you want to have the conversation. Somewhere familiar and comfortable is best. Come up with a way to bring the topic up without being too abrupt. You want to cut down on shock as much as possible. Prepare for possible hurt feelings by having planned reactions. For example, if they say, “I can make my own decisions” you reply with, “that’s true and I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I’m just concerned because…” Appeal to their emotional side. This way they’ll know your motivation is in the right place and will be more likely to listen to your advice. Think about what’s important to them and use that as an entry point. For example, if they care about their kids, remind them how secondhand smoke could affect them.

Remind them how much you love them and want to keep them around for many years to come. Smoking causes serious health conditions like lung cancer. It’s also a known cause of Osteoporosis, stroke, and depression. If your loved one values physical beauty, encourage them to preserve their beauty by avoiding smoking-induced wrinkles and yellow teeth.

Offer to be available by phone when they need you if a craving happens. Let them know you’ll be supportive through the whole process. Recruit others to be part of the support network as well, if possible.

Ask them what they enjoyed about smoking. Find a replacement with another activity where they can do something similar. If they smoke on their work breaks, offer to go on a walk with them instead. If they smoke after a meal, ask them to help clean up or walk the dog. If they smoke first thing in the morning, offer to share a cup of coffee with them. If they smoke when they drink, avoid parties or bars where alcohol is served. [6] X Expert Source Tracy Carver, PhDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 12 January 2021. If they get the urge to smoke, try to be available to talk them out of it. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source

Weight gain is common. If this happens, offer to exercise with them and help restructure their diet. Sleep might be hard to come by for a while. Suggest some things they can do, like read a book, watch a television show, or write in a journal. Don’t take their bad moods personally. Continue to be positive and let them know that it’s okay to have bad days. Remind them how proud you are. Physical withdrawals usually only last 5-7 days, but the psychological withdrawal may last longer.

Remind them of all the reasons they wanted to quit in the first place (or should quit). Let them know they can still quit and haven’t failed. Identify the trigger so they know what to avoid moving forward.

One of the best outcomes of quitting is the money they’ll save. Suggest that they set that money aside and treat themselves when they’ve quit smoking. Hawaii, anyone? Incremental rewards and praise is important. Consistent positive feedback or tangible rewards are helpful reminders of progress.

Many communities have groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous for quitting smoking.

Consult with your doctor so you can start on the right dosage. Cessation products are the most effective when the person is ready and willing to quit. [12] X Expert Source Tracy Carver, PhDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.

Look for smoking cessation programs online or help online at websites like https://smokefree. gov/.

Prescription medications like Chantix can help if someone is struggling with quitting.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has statistics broken down by demographics. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The American Lung Association gives facts about smoking and quitting smoking. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source The Department of Health and Human Services has a full report on the health consequences of smoking.