Ask for Help To Quit Smoking | Smokefree
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Ask for Help To Quit Smoking
Ask for Help To Quit Smoking
Getting support from the important people in your life can make a big difference when you quit smoking. Friends, family, coworkers, and others can be there for you. You are not alone.
Get the Support You Need
Here are some tips for getting support, either in person or online.
Ask for Help
You might like to solve problems on your own, but
everyone can use a little help
from time to time. It doesn't mean you're weak. People who get support from family and friends may have an easier time quitting smoking and staying smokefree. Sources of support for you could be:
Your spouse or significant other
Your children or grandchildren
Other close family members
Friends
Coworkers
People who used to smoke
Neighbors
People in your religious or community groups
If you’re not sure how to ask, text or send an email. You might say, “I want to quit smoking. Can you help?”
Let these people know that you will be grateful for their support. Tell them you may not be your usual self for a few days or weeks after you quit.
Be Specific About What You Want
Only you know what kind of support will be best for you.
When you’re ready to quit smoking, it helps to clearly tell your friends and family what they
can do
to support you—and what they
shouldn’t do
. Here are some examples you can share with them
Things you can ask them to do:
Add to your supply of cigarette substitutes (like cinnamon sticks or healthy foods)
Fix your favorite meal or go out to lunch or dinner with you
Help you change routines to avoid temptations to smoke
Help you find ways to keep busy
Celebrate your progress with you
Remind you that things will get easier
Participate in activities with you that take your mind off smoking, like going to a movie together
Ask how you are doing and let you know they care
Understand if you need to stay away from trigger activities for a while after you quit
Things you can ask them NOT to do:
Smoke around you
Offer you a cigarette
Nag you about your efforts to quit
Doubt that you can quit or stay smokefree
Suggest you go back to smoking, even as a joke
Avoid Stressful Situations
Stress can make you
feel like you want to smoke
. Think about what stresses you most and look for ways to
deal with that stress
. Ask friends and family to be aware of your stressors. They can help make your life easier as you quit.
Say Thank You
Tell your friends you appreciate them, whether you speak it, text it, or show it with your actions. Saying thanks doesn't take a lot of time, so do it in the moment before you forget. Got a friend who gave up their last piece of gum to help you beat a cigarette craving? Buy some gum and give it to them with a note that says, "Thanks for helping me stay quit!" And being grateful has benefits for you, too. Studies show that being grateful can improve physical health, mental health, and self-esteem. Being grateful also can reduce stress.
Focus on People Who Can Help
If a friendship doesn't feel right anymore, it might be time to let it go. Don't be afraid to try a little distance with people who aren't giving you the support you need. Letting go can be hard, but it’s sometimes for the best. Then focus on spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself and want you to succeed.
Support Others
Support is a two-way street. If you want others to be there for you, you have to be there for them, too. Check in with your friends and help them out when you can. Sometimes small favors mean the most. Do something to brighten someone's day. Make a friend smile by emailing or texting them a joke, get someone a small treat for their birthday, or call a family member to see how they are doing. Got a quit method or quitting tip that worked for you? Post it on social media at
SmokefreeUS
. Sharing your success can be a great motivator and support for others to become smokefree.
Join the Smokefree Community
You can connect with others and grow your support network through Smokefree’s social media resources:
SmokefreeUS
SmokefreeUS
Pinterest
SmokefreeUS
Give your social circle a boost by connecting with other people who share your interests. Think about the things you like to do. Then start a conversation with someone new. Chances are, you’ll find you have things in common.
Quit Notes
Craving a smoke? Talk to a friend! You don’t have to do this alone.
Share
Email
Do good to feel good. Being kind to others lifts you both up, which can be helpful during your quit.
Share
Email
Fact: Social smoking can be easier to quit because you depend less on nicotine.
Share
Email
More for you
Speak to an Expert
Talking to an expert about quitting smoking may be the support you need to see it through.
quitSTART Quit Smoking App
The quitSTART app takes the information you provide about your smoking history and gives you tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you become smokefree.
FAQs for Helping Someone Quit
Friends, family members, and significant others can help a person stay smokefree.
Smoking & Depression
Smokers are more likely to have depression than non-smokers. Learn more about the link between the two.
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Take our quiz to find out. You’ll also learn how vaping affects your life and what you can do about it.
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