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The advent of the new year is prime time for those dreaded resolutions. Support the wannabe non-smoker in your life with the following tips:

 

DO respect that the quitter is in charge. This is his/her lifestyle change and challenge, not yours.

DO ask the person whether he/she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he/she is doing. Let the person know it’s okay to call you whenever he/she needs encouraging words.

DO help the quitter get what he/she needs, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, and fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator.

DO spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his/her mind off smoking; go to the movies, take a walk to get past a craving (aka “nicotine fit”), or take a bike ride.

DO help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking – whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting.

DO celebrate along the way. Quitting smoking is A BIG DEAL!

DON’T take the quitter’s grumpiness personally during his/her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms usually pass in about 2 weeks.

If Your Smoker “Slips”...

DON’T assume that he/she will start back smoking like before. A “slip” (taking a puff or smoking a cigarette or two) is pretty common when a person is quitting.

DO remind the quitter how long he/she went without a cigarette before the slip.