Helping A Smoker Quit: Do's and Don'ts

General Hints for Friends and Family

• Do respect that the quitter is in charge. This is their lifestyle change and their challenge, not yours.
• Do ask the person whether he or she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he or she is doing. Let the person know that it's okay to call you whenever he or she needs to hear encouraging words.
• Do help the quitter get what she or he needs, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator, etc.
• Do spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his or her mind off smoking – go to the movies or take a walk to get past a craving (what many call a "nicotine fit").
• Do help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking – whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting.
• Do celebrate along the way. Quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL!
• Don't take the quitter's grumpiness personally during his or her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms will pass in about two weeks.
• Don't offer advice. Just ask how you can help with the plan or program they are using.