What to Know
Alright. You know somebody who wants to quit and you want to help. Here are some things you should know before getting started:
- It has to be their choice.Quitting is a process and usually takes multiple tries.
- If the person you’re helping uses commercial tobacco again, stay positive. Cheering them on just for trying is a great way to encourage them to try again.
- Withdrawal symptoms like being irritable or a little anxious are perfectly normal.
- You should talk to the person you’re trying to help and ask them how they’d like you to support them.
Be sure to listen!
What to Do
Have a friend who decided to start quitting? Here are some tips for helping them along the way.
- Celebrate every accomplishment. Whether it’s simply trying to quit, or going a week, a day, or even an hour without smoking, vaping or chewing —encouragement can go a long way.
- Help think of rewards for meeting milestones to keep motivation high. You could treat them to ice cream
or coffee, schedule a bike ride or even just go on a walk together. - Call, text or email your friend and remind them you’re there for them if needed. Remember to do as much
listening as possible so you can understand where they’re at. - Offer even more support if the person you care about slips up and has a smoke, vapes or takes a pinch of
chew. It’s a normal part of quitting, and you can help reduce feelings of guilt by being a voice of positivity,
