Helping Someone Else to Quit

Supporting someone while they quit is one of the most important things you can do to help them have a longer, healthier life. As a colleague, friend or family member, your support can make a real difference.

• Offer lots of encouragement. You cannot make someone quit, but when they say it’s time to quit, let them know that you’re proud of them and ask how you can help.
• Give them practical support, like making a kit with anything they might use instead of smoking. You might include mints, toothpicks, games, healthy snacks and motivational pictures.

• Help them stay busy. Plan a list of things to do together in smoke free areas like the movies, shopping, swimming or going out to dinner.
• Have patience. It can be tough to adjust to life without cigarettes.  Simple things likerelaxing after a meal, can be hard. Don’t be surprised if your loved one acts grumpy or nervous - and don’t take it personally.
• Think of ways to make the first weeks less stressful, by helping with work or other things that may add stress.
•  Listen well when they talk about how they’re feeling, make sure you remind them how far they have come and keep offering help.

• Support them if they slip up, it happens. If someone you know is trying to quit and has had a slip up, lend your support and let him or her know that you care. Always remember to stay positive and don't scold, nag, or make them feel guilty.

Helping someone quit when you're a smoker

If you're still smoking but someone around you is trying to quit, remember these helpful tips.

• Smoke outside and far away from the person trying to quit.
• Keep triggers such as cigarettes, matches and lighters out of sight.
• Don’t ever offer them a cigarette, not even as a joke.

Why not join them in their effort to quit? It’s better for your health, and it will help those you are trying to support.

For more information on helping someone else to quit you can download the Department of Health WA’s Helping others quit guide.