How to Support Someone Who is Trying to Stop Smoking

Most people are aware of the negative impacts of smoking on our physical health. However, millions of people across the world continue to smoke daily.

Tobacco contains a very addictive substance called nicotine. When somebody smokes a cigarette, the nicotine enters the bloodstream and gets transported to the brain within minutes. When in the brain, nicotine causes the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which plays a key role in how we feel, stimulating our reward pathways.

It’s because of the nicotine content of tobacco that smoking is extremely addictive. Even light smokers can’t escape nicotine addiction.

When somebody tries to quit smoking, they can get withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances. These withdrawal symptoms can last for several days and are the reason why most people fail several times when attempting to quit smoking for good.

If you know somebody who is trying to quit smoking at the moment, there are things that you can do to support them on their smoking cessation journey.

Show Your Support

Embarking on a smoking cessation journey is one of the hardest things that smokers will ever do. Simply showing your support for your loved ones can give them a much-needed push in the right direction, especially when they are feeling anxious or irritable due to nicotine withdrawal.

Provide Encouragement and Accountability

When somebody is trying to quit smoking without any additional support, it’s easy to give up and reach for the cigarette pack again. However, if they have somebody to hold them accountable when they’re tempted to start smoking again, they are less likely to actually do so.

If your friend or family member is trying to quit smoking, ask for permission to help hold them accountable. Check in with them each week to see how they are doing and remind them of why they wanted to quit smoking in the first place if they are struggling.

Suggest Alternative Activities

Help distract the person who is trying to quit by inviting them to join you in fun activities where smoking is either prohibited or that they normally do not associate with smoking.  Enjoy a movie together, take a bike ride or even go for a walk.  Consider bringing along a snack, such as cut up carrots, so that they will have something to chew on if a craving starts.