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Print | YORK REGION>Services>Public Health and Safety>Tobacco Free Living |
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Quit Smoking
Helping Someone Quit Smoking
By helping someone to quit smoking, you are taking on the role of a person who will offer support and encouragement. It is important to be positive and to listen closely.
Remember that quitting smoking is a process.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Understand the smoker
Get to know the person's reasons for smoking and motivations for wanting to quit. This will help you to support them more effectively.
Be positive
Assure the smoker you realize they have a tough road ahead of them, but that you are confident they will succeed. Give encouragement; focus only on successes, not failures (it can take some smokers 5 to 7 quit attempts before they actually quit for good). Emphasize the financial and health benefits of quitting.
Let the smoker call the shots
Ask about specific ways you can be helpful to them as they try to quit. Be a steady source of support and be sensitive to their needs and moods.
Give up something yourself
Keep the smoker company by giving up something you like such as coffee, candy or desserts. This is helpful so long as it doesn't turn into a competition. Remember nicotine is a powerful addiction.
Offer rewards
An offer of reward can be helpful, although it can also stir up feelings of guilt if the smoker is not successful right away. Use your good judgement and be aware of the smoker's needs.
Don't
Don't lecture or nag, give out put-downs or guilt-trips. Keep in mind that smoking can be a very strong addiction. For most people, quitting smoking is the hardest thing they will ever do.
(Adapted from the Canadian Cancer Society booklet For Smokers Who Don't Want to Quit)
For more information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse, please contact:
