How to help someone quit smoking

Here's how to provide support in a meaningful
and fun way to show you care about your friend
or relative... and that they are worth having
around a little longer!

If YOU are the smoker reading this, and you want someone to be YOUR quit smoking buddy, by all means, suggest they read this.

If they need help putting up with you, they will be thankful for this and you will be extra thankful for them!

There's also some very clever tips that smokers used to enlist support from others in Never Think About Smoking Again

Keep in mind, when you help someone quit smoking, there are all the stages a smoker goes through before they even make the decision to quit.

Depending on the person, try not to give blunt advice. Wait until they ask or bring up the subject, such as, "It's time I quit smoking", or "I wish there was something or someone to help me quit." Often they just come out with, "I'm sick of smoking, that's it, I’m quitting."

Now's the time for a little encouragement, such as:

• Really? That’s a GREAT decision
• Ok, I'm a starter to support you.
• What about having a look at this? (Send them to this website of course).
• I'm here for you 100%, let me know how I can help.
• I believe you can do it.
• If you stick to that goal, I'll stick with you.
• Hey, that's good news; want to talk about it more?
• I'm so pleased you will be around to have wheelchair races with me when we're 100.

So it's your task to demonstrate how nice it is to know they will not be bereft and on their own once they stop.

1. Listening is the biggest and best thing you can do. They are in charge, so don't give advice unless asked. It's best to ask them what they think, or get their suggestions and then to mix this with input from you when appropriate.

   Just be there to listen.

2. Don't criticize, shame or nag. Just keep letting them know that you think they are WORTH IT.

   Let them know that their being around means a lot to you and the world. In fact their life means more than anything else they might feel is overwhelming them at that moment, and it's worth sticking to their goal.

3. Encourage them to talk their way through their feelings, hopes, ups and downs. Talking is a huge release to help someone quit smoking, and is often all that's needed to turn a mountain back to a molehill.

   Encourage them to reach out for support from you and others. Successful people in all walks of life don't silently plod away on their own. Toughness is an unnecessary barrier to utilizing the help and support that others are willing to give.

   If you talk to them, make it as lighthearted as possible, don't frown or look worried, but conjure up the near future and good things around the corner.




4. Be stupid... that's funny stupid, not dumb stupid! Lighten the load if you can. Suggest silly things to do or see, buy a joke book, take them to a comedy film or play, push them into doing a crazy action that at least makes them smile.

   If they can't actually laugh at your goings on, they'll be amused at your attempt.

   Nothing to lose here, as fun is diverting and good for health, for both of you.

5. Do things for your pal, maybe as little rewards for progress. This is open ended... there are heaps of feel-good ideas to bring a smile to their day. Shout them to a massage; buy flowers, meal, etc.
6. Remember it's the addiction to smoking. You are there to help someone quit smoking. Smoking is the demon, not the smoker, should there be a hiccup. So sympathize and don't use "should haves," but instead criticize nicotine, not your pal, and continue to care.

   Give genuine praise for their efforts and say, "Anything worthwhile takes effort, but it will give the best rewards."

   To keep someone on track, the ultimate follow-up is to either buy or urge them to buy Never Think About Smoking Again and as they get totally absorbed in its magic, then you can join in and go over some of the ideas together.

7. Make yourself available. When helping someone quit, make it obvious you are here for them and they are here for you. You are a link in their life and can be called upon when necessary.

   Call them, or talk it over about how often they would appreciate contact, and keep to that, with a few nice surprises in between.

8. Help with basics. Offer, or insist if it can be done in a good spirit, to bring or supply nibbles 'n stuff.

   Cut up fruit and veg ready to grab. Make sure they have nuts and drinks. You can make juices, shakes, baked goods, lunches etc.

   Put in funny face notes or 'good onya' comments.

9. Help occupy their time. Offer to come and share the housework, gardening, or filing and so on.

   How to have a brilliant life after quitting smoking NEVER Think About Smoking Again

   If there are some potholes in their road ahead, fill them in by offering to play chess, crosswords, word games, or go for walks, gym etc.

   Often boredom is one of the reasons some people smoke, so there's no better treasure trove of substitutes, than Never Think About Smoking Again
   
   

10. Ignore the bothersome stuff. If there are any rollercoaster bits you will calmly give them a hug... or whatever is appropriate.

    Don't take irrational behavior personally; your pal is just letting off steam to help cope with emotional and physical changes.

    Here again, fun, fun, fun is the way if you can. Without being flippant, try to turn a situation into a more lighthearted view. "Thank goodness both of us aren't quitting!"

    Always remember when you help someone quit smoking, despite their moods, they want to feel secure you are there to help keep their motivation going.

11. Steer them away from temptation. Firmly here if possible. Although the name of the game is positive reinforcement, sometimes you may have to point out the obvious, such as, "We're going to this pub tonight, because it's smoke free." Or "Don't forget you're a non-smoker now." ... say when some others in a meeting go out for a smoke.
12. If you're a smoker, you can still help someone quit. Just promise you won't smoke in their presence, or you won't leave ashtrays around.

    And if you don't smoke, how about you promise to give up something you are addicted to. C'mon everyone has something! Too many chocs, coffee, junk food, shoes, swearing, sleeping-in, gossip... what about promising to read that book instead of watching too much TV?

    Now you've both got a goal to aim for.

13. Body image might crop up. Weight, skin and if fact anything at all where the smoker is looking for sympathy could surface.

    Gently remind them of your common belief in their lifestyle change which will ultimately make them healthier.

    A must when you help someone quit is to encourage them to exercise, eat well, keep calm and get plenty of sleep as these all help with balancing the body's chemicals and thus correcting weight and health.

    Don't forget environment is important for changing habits, so be a good example and ensure that you walk the walk and talk the talk too!

    Show them the comprehensive section on

Smoking and Weight


14. Tell them you are quite happy for them to call you anytime. And you must mean it, whatever the hour.

    It will only be for a short time – a few days to a few weeks.

    Your shoulder is there for them to lean on, as withdrawal symptoms are unpredictable - like a new baby's hunger pangs.

15. Keep in contact, even after a few weeks or months. Friendly reminders that you are still thinking of them, and still think they are ABSOLUTELY TOPS for what they have done.
16. Stress reduction is important. This is where the Quit for Good Stop Smoking Program really shines.

    If you are helping someone quit smoking, you'll be doing them a big favor by showing them this program to go through the actual process of quitting. This method incorporates every aspect of smoking addiction, physical and emotional, as well as life-long stress beaters.

    You may also like to browse around and find a meditation method, or book your friend and you into a class to practice this relaxing and happy way to face life each day.

That's it... your handy support
manual to help someone quit.

You might be family, friend, neighbor, or the corner shopkeeper asked to help a smoker quit. (One former smoker, who was Korean and new to this country, told us he knew no-one else, so asked the local shop owner, also Korean - no matter that they sold tobacco products. He quit and they ended up best of friends.)

You will be doing your pal a huge favor. Life is all about taking turns... you help someone quit smoking... they or someone else will help you move house down the track.

You are one of the smoker's NEW friends now, you will show by your caring that this person matters... and this in turn helps make him or her feel good about themself, and thus want to care for their body and mind and protect their future health and wealth.

I am only one, but still I am one
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.
Helen Keller

Say goodbye to smoking fast Quit for Good Stop Smoking Program

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