5 Ways to Help Someone Quit Smoking

It is hard to quit smoking.

Even if someone has medication to help them, it's still very challenging, and chances are they will fail multiple times before they are able to quit for good. So, how can you help someone quit? Follow this simple advice:

1. Don't lecture them. No one likes to be reprimanded by others. People who smoke probably already know that the behavior is bad for them, are aware that smoking is expensive, and may have already been criticized for their addiction.
2. Be there for them. Listen to how the person trying to stop smoking feels. Provide diversions when the cravings are bad: Go for a walk, play a game or just sit and talk over a cup of coffee to get their mind off of their craving.
3. Help them stay away from places where a lot of people smoke. People who smoke tend to go to places where they are allowed to smoke, and then congregate with others who also smoke. For example, if you two always went to a local tavern with smoker friends, go to a less triggering restaurant for a while instead, or meet in a friend's home where no one is allowed to smoke.
4. Be patient. Your friend may be a little crabby as they withdraw from nicotine. If they really want to smoke, remind them that a single puff will intensify their cravings. Acknowledge that you realize that this is a process, not something that you just decide to do and are done.
5. Reassure them. Tell them that you know how hard it is to quit and that you are proud of them. Be supportive if they fail. Remind them that it takes many tries to finally quit—but that they can start over and are one more attempt closer to finally quitting.

If you or someone you care about wants to quit smoking, health care providers at the In-Store Clinics and MDLive are on hand to support you in your plans to be tobacco-free from cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. There are additional educational materials available in the Walgreens Answer Centers on walgreens.com to support you as well.

Published on October 28, 2019

Sources:

"Helping a smoker quit: Dos and don'ts," American Cancer Society. Web. 6 June 2019. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/helping-a-smoker-quit.html

"Help someone quit," American Lung Association. Web. 6 June 2019. https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/help-someone-quit/