SMOKEFREE PHILLY: SUPPORT FREINDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS
Support Friends and Family Members Who Are Trying To Stop Using Tobacco
- Be patient with them. They may be very cranky right now.
- Encourage them to take a walk with you. Get out and breathe fresh air with them.
Remind them of how much better they will eventually feel. Tell them how much better they’ll
smell, how food will taste better, how they’ll protect themselves against wrinkles.
Repeat back to them the reasons they gave to you for wanting to quit, not your reasons for wanting them to quit.
Don’t say mean things about them. Please remember that the problem is the nicotine, not the smoker. Nicotine is very addictive and, we know now, that cigarette manufacturers add ingredients to the cigarettes to make them even more addictive.
Show them, in any way that will be meaningful to them, that you care. Give them flowers, a hug, a phone call, a family photo.
Don’t take them to places where it is difficult for people who are trying to quit (smoky restaurants, bars). Instead, go with them on walks in the fresh air, to movies, to smoke-free concerts or window-shopping in malls.
Do something physical with them - - invite them to go swimming, play football, hike, bike, push a baby carriage, put on music and dance.
Help them to remove all traces of smoke from their homes. Wash down the walls, especially in their closets. Re-wash or air out their clothing. Vacuum the drapes and carpets using baking soda or a spray on product. Ditch the ashtrays and any cigarette company giveaways (tee shirts, mugs, plastic water bottles).
Don’t nag, criticize or complain if they relapse. They will be unhappy with themselves. You don’t need to remind them of their difficulty. Most people who quit smoking take between three and seven tries before they are successful.
Smoke Free Pledge
