We all understand the dangers and the addiction that comes with smoking and even those who don’t smoke can probably appreciate how difficult it is to finally quit. So, if you have a loved one who is addicted to nicotine and they decide to finally quit for good, it’s only natural that you want to do everything you can to try and help them. After all, this might be one of the biggest mental struggles they’ll ever have to face.
A quitter’s journey is going to be filled with ups and downs. And you must be there to support them every step of the way. So, what role do you have to play? Here we’ll look at how you can help a loved one quit smoking, for good.
Don’t knock the alternatives
While some smokers opt to go cold turkey and cut our cigarettes entirely, others prefer a more measured approach. Either slowly cutting down or switching to an alternative. In fact, more and more smokers are turning to vaping to help them quit. Click here to find out more about vape pens. Vaping allows the smoker to still achieve their nicotine hit but without the additional smoke and dangerous chemicals that come with traditional smoking. Make them aware of a potential alternative that could make their journey a little easier.
Make your home smoke free
You wouldn’t eat a takeaway in front of a friend who was dieting, would you? So why smoke in front of someone trying to cut it out? Removing temptation will help keep your loved one on the path to quitting for good. So, if anyone else in the family is still smoking, make sure they’re being thoughtful, smoking out of sight (and smell), not leaving any smoking paraphernalia around the house.
Don’t judge or nag!
There’s a fine line between supporting someone and nagging them. Make sure you’re on the right side of it. The more you nag and judge, the more likely they are to give up their desire to quit and go back to their old habits.
Don’t take it personally
During nicotine withdrawal, your loved one is likely to feel grumpy and irritable, they’re also more likely to snap at you and even say things they don’t mean. Try not to take this irritability to heart. Remind them – and yourself, that this phase won’t last forever.
Be patient
Whether this is their first or their tenth time trying to quit, always be supportive!
I gave up smoking five years ago this year. It took a good couple of years for me to stop craving it, it was seriously one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but it was worth it to know that my children would never be around smoke. Between my husband and I we have saved nearly £40k in the last four and a half years. Now that is scary!
Wow firstly well done that’s amazing, but also £40k jeez that’s incredible!!