Viva Vitality: Support family and friends to quit smoking
By Rita Aman
Quite often, I hear from friends and family members of smokers asking, “How can I get them to quit? I am really worried about them.” Their concerns are genuine and heartfelt. They want the best for their loved ones and want them to change.
Unfortunately, my response may not be the answer they are looking for: you can’t make them or do it for them. The decision to quit smoking or using tobacco must be made by the person themselves, in their own time, and for their own reasons. However, there is much you can do to help them through the quitting process.
In fact, a vital component of the group cessation program, Quit Core, is to provide information on how the participants' family and friends can support them through the quitting process. Participants are encouraged to tell family and friends that they are quitting smoking and seek their encouragement and support. It can be one of the key factors with their success in quitting.
Here is a brief “do’s” and “don'ts” list for support people:
Don’t
Lecture or preach
Suggest struggles are weakness or lack of will power
Criticize their tobacco use
Express doubt that they will ever be successful
Send them on a guilt trip about their tobacco use
Do
Congratulate them on their decision to quit
Share your confidence in their ability to quit and remain quit
Celebrate quit day
Help think of alternatives to smoking like healthy snacks, crossword puzzles, yoga
Show pleasure at their efforts
Remind them there is help available when they are ready to quit
If you are looking for help in quitting, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or any healthcare professional. There is help available. You do not have to do this alone.
There are many resources and supports available to help you quit successfully. You may want to check out a virtual group cessation program. Quit Core is a free group program, facilitated by trained leaders, where you will find peer support and learn strategies to help you quit and stay quit. You will get help designing a quit plan that works best for you. Quit Core virtual groups are offered regularly. In-person groups may also be available in your area.
Visit albertaquits.ca or call 1-866-710- QUIT (7848) for dates and locations. There is no fee, but you must pre-register. To register please call 1-866-710-QUIT (7848).
Rita Aman is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Primary Care Alberta.