If someone you know is trying to quit, they’ll need all the help they can get from friends, family, and work colleagues. If you’re willing, there’s actually a lot you can do to help them.

You can use these simple strategies to help someone you know quit smoking.

• Get the Facts
  Understanding more about why quitting is important to your loved one, and giving the right advice can be extremely helpful. You can start with this website – there’s a lot of info to help you get to grips with all the quitting issues.
• Listen to Them
  It may sound obvious, but listening is key when you’re supporting someone who’s quitting. If you can be a sympathetic ear to their worries, cravings, and stresses, you’ll better understand their situation, but also, they’ll feel better for sharing, and will be less likely to be tempted.
• Distract Them
  Simply not thinking about smoking can be one of the most useful strategies for quitters. By taking their mind off their cravings, you’ll be doing them a real favour. Something as simple as a cup of tea, an interesting magazine article, or walking the dog could help them get past a craving.
• Change Activities and Settings
  If you know your friend is likely to crave a cigarette at the pub, then suggest a non-smoking environment instead. Try to suggest alternatives to activities they previously associated with smoking.
• Don’t Always Talk About Quitting Smoking
  Although it’s tempting to go on and on about quitting smoking, it may be counterproductive. The quitter feels harassed and seeks comfort in a cigarette. Constantly talking about smoking is an ever-present reminder for quitters and could drive them crazy. Instead, try to remain positive and encouraging.
• Reward Them
  Positive encouragement can be the key to successfully quitting smoking. Perhaps set out a series of goals with associated rewards that increase as each goal is achieved. One week of being smoke-free gets them a trip to the movies and one month - a massage. At one year, they’ll get a meal in a 5-star restaurant.
• Encourage Healthy Choices
  Try to encourage quitters to get out and about so they can start enjoying their new-found energy levels. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, they’re likely to feel better about themselves and less likely to start smoking again.
• Remember, no one is perfect
  Don’t be too hard on someone who’s quit smoking if he or she slips up and has a cigarette. Instead of getting cross and making him or her feel bad (because they probably already do), offer support and encouragement for getting back on track.