As a family member or friend of a smoker, you can play a major role in helping them through the quitting process. Scare tactics, nagging, confrontations, and shaming the smoker will not help. Many smokers shared that when faced with such tactics they felt like smoking more, rather than trying to quit. A more effective way to help your smoker is to be a nonjudgmental, supportive listener and reinforce that smokers can control their smoking.

Smokers have suggested the following tips for family and friends:

• Let your friend know you care about him regardless of their smoking.
• Realize that giving up smoking is like giving up a good friend.
• By being supportive and nonjudgmental you can help your friend through difficult times.
• Allow the smoker to set goals and make decisions about his smoking.
• Encourage your friend to exercise and participate in nonsmoking related activities.
• Let your friend know you are glad he has decided to quit.
• Let your friend know you believe they can quit.
• Adopt the smoker and help them through difficult times.
• Phone and visit your friend to see how he is doing.
• Help your friend stay away from cigarettes and other smokers.
• Consider giving up something (candy, coffee, etc.) yourself to support your friend.
• Encourage your friend to talk about his experiences. Listen.
• If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking in front of your friend, until he or she feels strong enough to resist the temptation of joining you.
• Offer rewards for reaching specific goals.
• Provide lots of positive feedback when your friend avoids smoking and reaches goals.

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