Did you know that lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world?

It’s also one of the dangers of smoking. If your loved one often smokes, it’s time for you to talk to them and intervene. However, without proper knowledge, they might end up dismissing your concern as nagging.

Don’t give up yet.

With this guide, we’ll teach you how to help someone quit smoking. That way, you’ll save your beloved from this self-destructive behavior.

Read on and find out more:

1. Express Your Concerns

The good news is that the number of former smokers outnumbers current smokers. After all, over 70% of smokers say they want to quit, with over 40% of them attempting to do so. Despite this, lots of people still pass away because of the ill effects of this habit.

The first step toward asking your loved one to quit smoking is to let them know your concern over their health. Remind them that you’ll give your utmost support once they start quitting. Ask them what you can do to help and always wait for them to reach out.

Never nag or offer advice when unsolicited. In most cases, your loved one is unlikely ready to quit smoking at the moment. This applies even when they expressed their desire sometime in the past.

No matter what, let them feel that you care about their health the most. Let them know that you’re always there to support them. Most of all, give them the freedom to decide the right time.

2. Put Health into Perspective

Most smokers already know the inherent risks of their habit. However, some people might not realize the extent of the damage they inflict not only to themselves but to others. To help them quit, you must tell them about the benefits of being smoke-free.

If they kick the habit, they will lower their risk of getting lung cancer, as well as heart and lung diseases, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. Women will also experience infertility if they smoke while in their childbearing years.

In short, explain to your loved ones the amount of risk they have by smoking. At the same time, they must also understand what they stand the gain after they quit.

3. Offer Encouragement

Depending on the smoker, quitting can become a daily process. So, when you help someone stop smoking, always be supportive by encouraging them. Do your best to be a beacon of positivity for them, especially when they face challenging days.

Express your pride over their willingness to quit. Don’t forget to congratulate them on their accomplishments toward becoming smoke-free so far. Ask them whether it’s okay for you to regularly check in on them using calls or visits.

If they agree, you have an easier way of asking about their feelings. Remind them of their current progress and make a kit that eases their quitting process. This kit must have gum, toothpicks, and mints that help them alleviate their tobacco urges.

Always ensure that they feel your continuous understanding and support. This will help them feel more motivated to keep at it and succeed afterward.

Of course, you shouldn’t do it alone. Encourage your loved ones to get into rehabilitation. This guarantees a better chance to recover.

4. Understand their Addiction

Smoking addictions come from both physical and emotional factors. Almost every smoker out there can’t quit because their addiction to nicotine runs deep. It can be almost as addicting as illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin.

When your loved one decides to quit, you must be especially patient during the first few months. It’s the initial withdrawal period, and they’re likely to experience a lot of negative emotions. These include:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of focus
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Weight gain

When these symptoms appear, always remind them that these are normal. At first, they’ll most likely be intense and unpleasant. These things will go away in time, so never stop encouraging and understanding them.

5. Slips Can Happen

Most people’s urge to smoke will abate after a week or so. However, slip-ups might happen a few months or weeks after they kick the habit. When this happens, never criticize them for slipping.

If you do, you’ll likely discourage them. It’s because they’ll likely think that it’s impossible to quit smoking, after all. Instead, you must continue supporting and encouraging them to get back on track.

Most importantly, stay positive.

6. Offer Distractions

A good method to help your loved one quit smoking is to help them plan smoke-free activities. You can ask them to watch a movie with you and let them choose what to watch. Plan game nights with your circle of friends and make a delicious dinner for them.

There are lots of various activities that won’t involve smoking. That’s why you must always think of a way to keep them entertained. Before long, they will stop thinking about smoking.

This happens because triggers and cravings are normal components of quitting. Help your loved one come up with ways to handle these urges. Talk about what you can do to help them until the urges go away.

7. Ask for Professional Help

Keep in mind that some smokers might need several attempts before they become smoke-free. If you feel like your loved one is struggling from severe symptoms of withdrawal, it’s time to call in the experts. Help them find a physician and seek the counsel of a behavioral therapist.

It’s okay if you don’t feel like you’re enough to help them quit. Reach out to other people for recommendations. With the right support from these professionals, they’re more likely to succeed in the long run.

Learn How to Help Someone Stop Smoking Today!

These are some tips you must follow to know how to help someone stop smoking. Use these to ensure that your loved one becomes smoke-free and reap all its benefits.

Does your loved one need help on how to stop smoking? If so, contact us today!