Even if you’re a smoker yourself and you’re not yet ready to stop, you can still be the ultimate cheerleader!
We’ve put together a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you get started.
DO
Understand their reason for wanting to stop
- There are many reasons people might choose to stop such as for their children and family, to improve their health and fitness, and even to help them save money.
- Knowing this means you can use it as a reminder to help them stay focused.
Discuss a Stop Date and Plan
- Helping them to set an actual date instead of stopping as a knee-jerk reaction to something better prepares them to try when they’re less likely to have events or stresses that would usually lead to them smoking. For example, a busy time at work or a big family get together.
- Help them to fill out a free personal stop smoking plan so they can list any cravings, triggers and products that might help them. From there, you can see how you support them through these.
Keep them distracted
- Check in regularly with them and create a list of things to do and try when cravings hit.
- For example, get active or go to the cinema together, encourage them to take deep and slow breaths to help them relax, make yourself available for a quick call if they’re in need of a distraction, stock them up with chewing gum or a fidget toy to keep their hands busy.
Create a no smoking space
If you smoke, try not to smoke around them or in shared spaces and remove any triggers such as cigarette packets and lighters.
Suggest they use stop-smoking products and a combination of support materials that may help
Research shows that smokers who use a combination of nicotine-free medicines and NRTs are over 5 times more likely to succeed.
Celebrate the wins!
Big or small – every smoke free day, week and month should be acknowledged. Even if it’s with a simple ‘Well done’ text.
DON’T
Forget to remove triggers
If you’re a smoker yourself, wash your hands and use things like chewing gum and mouthwash if you’re going to see them and you smell of cigarette smoke.
Lecture them if they have a set back
Instead, focus on the smoke free time they did achieve and encourage them to start again when they feel ready.
Force them to stop if they’re not ready
This will only add stress to the situation and likely result in them relapsing.
Suggest an activity that they usually associate smoking with
Environmental triggers such as social situations and events that involve alcohol or being around other people who smoke can hinder their progress.
Forget to take care of you too
Helping someone stop smoking can be stressful so make sure you check out Every Mind Matters for some relaxation techniques.
How to support a loved one who’s pregnant and smokes
Partners, family and friends can all help Mum to stop smoking by:
- Distracting her when she wants to smoke
- Helping her plan, manage and change up the routines that she usually associates with smoking. For example, if they usually smoke after a meal, suggest going for a short walk instead or let them relax while you clean up
- Be patient with them
If you also smoke, do it outside and away from them or try to stop together! You’re much more likely to stop when you’re supporting each other.
