Quit Smoking Support Is Important

Smoking is an addiction that affects more than just the person smoking – secondhand smoke is dangerous for those living around a smoker, and the health risks for the smokers themselves are a cause for worry and concern for a smoker’s loved ones. If you have a close friend or family member who is trying to quit smoking, you are probably wondering how you can best help them. How can you provide the most effective quit smoking support to aid them on their journey to becoming nonsmokers?

Especially in the first few days and weeks, your support will be invaluable. Those who have been long-time smokers will be thrust into the world of nicotine withdrawal, and they will need your patience and understanding when they experience symptoms of that withdrawal. You can expect your loved one to be unusually irritable, even angry. Physically he or she may feel dizzy and nauseous in the beginning. Your friend or loved one may have trouble sleeping, which will only add to their moodiness. Depression can surface – the smoker is giving up a favorite, comfortable habit, and there’s a sense of loss and emptiness until he or she is able to replace this with other more positive activities.

This is where you can really provide some quit smoking support. You can try to divert your friend from focusing on the lack of cigarettes by suggesting alternate activities. If they are feeling depressed, you can offer to go with them to a movie – comedies are great. Or you can plan some outings to museums or other cultural attractions in your area. The companionship you provide is one of the best quit smoking supports and will mean a great deal to the smoker.

As a support to someone who is trying to quit smoking, you’ll need to remember that most of the withdrawal symptoms are of a short duration. Try to overlook any unpleasant behavior coming from your loved one – although if you live with them, this can be challenging. You’re only human, but you can rise above your own irritation and help them through this early, uncomfortable stage.


If you are an ex-smoker yourself…

If you are someone who has quit smoking yourself, you are positioned to be of even greater support to those around you who smoke. You know the depth of the struggle and can share your own successes in a way that a nonsmoker never could. You can relate to the challenges smokers face and can give them a head’s up about what they can expect. You will feel a sense of accomplishment that you can pass on to them, and you will find it rewarding to be able to help someone else. Your quit smoking support can make a real difference in the lives of others.