Do you want to help someone quit smoking?

• You may be able to help them but you can’t do it for them. You know the old cliché “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.” It’s very applicable analogy for a smoker because they have to want to quit themselves.

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• People can rarely be pressured or embarrassed into quitting. When they are ready to quit, offer your full support and encouragement.

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• Keep them as your friend first and think of them as a smoker second.

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• When they do try to quit, be sensitive to their mood swings and withdrawal problems, they are temporary.

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• If they have a relapse, don’t scold or lecture or make them feel guilty.

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• Be positive, don’t cause additional stress or expect your friend to be able to just quit, it’s not that easy.

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• Don’t preach or lecture about the health hazards of smoking, every smoker has already heard and read them all before. Many times in fact.

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• Don’t use embarrassing tactics or use put-downs. It will only backfire and you could do permanent damage to your relationship.

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• Don’t give ultimatums like – you better quit by so and so or else, blah, blah, blah and don’t use guilt trip tactics. Don’t nag either.

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• Never say quitting is easy or make fun of them, offer support, not blame.

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• Remember smoking is a powerful physical and mental addiction. Change does not happen overnight.

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• For many people, quitting smoking will be one of the hardest things they ever do. Others may find it easy.

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• People smoke for many reasons, for some it seems to help them relax or concentrate or cope. Many people have no idea why they smoke.

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• Some people claim to enjoy smoking but they probably really don’t. What causes that feeling is simply the power of the nicotine because it can give a little buzz, especially the first smoke of the day or after a meal.

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• Most smokers try several times and different ways to quit smoking.

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• If you are a smoker don’t ever offer your friend a cigarette to test or tempt them. You are actually giving them an excuse to smoke again!

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