Providing help to those struggling with nicotine addiction isn’t easy, especially if you’re trying to lay a quit-smoking support foundation for someone you love. While there are ample resources available online, a physical support system is often more important to those who’re trying to make this change in their lives, and since providing unsolicited advice is not the best method, we’ve crafted some recommendations for those who have been approached by their loved ones seeking some guidance to help them quit smoking.
Offer to partake in smoke-free activities
Since the use of combustible cigarettes has likely become a habitual part of your loved one’s day-to-day routine, a good way that you can support them is by steering them towards new activities or hobbies that don’t support smoking and work well to distract them from their nicotine cravings. Whether you suggest an outing where they’re unable to smoke (ex. dinner at a restaurant) or physical activity that provides the right amount of entertainment (ex. hiking), you will be providing them with practical distractions that will help ease their urge to smoke. It would also be most beneficial if you didn’t smoke yourself around someone who’s trying to quit, as this could trigger their cravings and affect their progress.
Do your best to be understanding and patient
While it can be easy to offer support to a loved one on occasion, it’s much harder to be understanding and patient when you’re living with the person who’s attempting to quit smoking cold turkey. Irritability and crankiness are common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and while these moods will pass, in the meantime you’re stuck as the potential punching bag. That being said, you must inform yourself of what can be expected during the quitting process so that you’re equipped to give your loved one a break. Since slips and relapses can also happen, you must do your best not to nag or shame them and instead provide encouragement for them to try again.
If anger and annoyance persists, suggest that they quit smoking with e-cigs to ease the transition with an innovative product that offers nicotine without the dangers of tobacco.
Encourage them to celebrate their success
Quitting combustible cigarettes is a big deal, especially if they’re longstanding smokers. As a part of the support system for your loved one, be sure to acknowledge each milestone, even if it’s smoke-free for a single week. This could be as simple as pointing out the positive changes you’ve noticed in them when they’ve been smoke-free (ex. more energy, looking healthier, etc.). A compliment goes a long way in building up their confidence and may be the deciding factor that helps them move forward and quit smoking for good.
What’s important to remember is that every person possesses struggles when they’re trying to quit combustible cigarettes. While some may struggle more with the loss of their habitual routine, others crave the feeling or smell of traditional cigarettes. The good news is that regardless if your loved one is struggling with physical or mental dependencies, quitting smoking with e-cigs allows them to fulfill all of their smoking needs while removing tobacco from the equation. For most ex-smokers, choice is a powerful motivator and when they possess the power to choose their device and how much nicotine they’re using, they find more success in weaning their dependencies and transitioning to a smoke-free lifestyle.
Are there other ways that you have built a quit-smoking support system for your loved one? Please share any pointers that you have in the comments section below.
