DOES YOUR FRIEND WANT TO QUIT SMOKING? DO YOU WANT TO HELP AND SUPPORT THEM?
1. Keep It Positive
If your friend has decided to quit smoking, that’s a big deal but it might be scary for them. If you want to help a friend to quit smoking, you should stay positive. When you’re chatting, this isn’t the time to mention lung cancer and wrinkles. Instead, be encouraging.
Don’t say: “You better quit or you’ll get cancer.”
Do say: “Yeah! You can do it!
2. Get Knowledgeable
There are loads of benefits to quitting smoking, like within just a few hours of that last cigarette, their blood pressure returns to normal. After a few days, the last of the addictive nicotine and nasty carbon monoxide will have left their body. A few months after quitting, your mate’s lung function will return to normal and they’ll find things like sport and exercise easier. You can find out more about the timeline of quitting here.
Don’t say: “Your breath still stinks, mind.”
Do say: “Think how great you’re going to feel when you’re done with quitting!”
3. Remember Their Reasons
Everyone has a different reason for wanting to quit. It could be that your mate wants to save some money, they may know someone who’s got sick or died from smoking or they may want to feel healthier. If you know their reason, you can help a friend to quit by remembering them when they’re finding it difficult. There are loads of great ways to remind your mate without droning on, like making them a card with their list of reasons on, or sending them some motivational pictures on WhatsApp.
Don’t say: “What’s the point of quitting anyway?”
Do say: “You can do this – you’ve saved like £300 already, that’s awesome!”
4. Distract Them
One of the hardest things about quitting smoking is getting through those cigarette cravings. Your mate might be feeling stressed, fidgety or restless. This is because nicotine changes the chemicals in a smoker’s brain and makes them want more nicotine. The best way to get through the cravings is to do something else, so you can really help your friend by distracting them with another activity or even just a chat.
Don’t say: “Oh shut up and get over it.”
Do say: “Let’s go do something fun!”
5. Celebrate
Even a few weeks or months after they quit, your friend could still be getting cravings, or still miss smoking sometimes. As well as keeping positive about the benefits of quitting, it’s really important to celebrate and congratulate your mate on their achievement – quitting smoking.
Don’t say: “It’s been three months, no-one cares anymore.”
Do say: “Wow, you’ve been quit three months! You’re doing so great!”
6. GET ADVICE AND SUPPORT
Your friend will be grateful for all your help, but if they want to talk to someone else, or if you have any questions about smoking or about how to help a friend to quit smoking, leave us a message on our Facebook or Instagram. Your friend can also get free stop smoking support with Help Me Quit.
