Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group

The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...

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How to help someone else quit

Lara116
Lara116
My friend has been trying to quit smoking for a couple of months now, but she keeps going back to smoking. I asked her awhile back if she really wants to quit or if she is pressured by family. She says she really wants to quit!!! Now she is smoking again. I have been trying to be supportive, but is there a time when you get tough and confront someone. I am not a smoker, but I am in a 12 Step program for other addictions in which
by this time people would do some "tough talking". Since I was never hooked on Cigarettes, I am starting to feel kind of helpless with this lady. It is starting to affect me negatively. She says she got depressed and started smoking again. I wish I could steer her to this site, but every suggestion I have made is rejected.
If anyone has any suggestions please write in.
grannie
grannie
Unless the person really wants to quit and puts forth an honest effort, you are wasting your breath.

I have to same problem with a neighbor of mine, he has developed a lung problem and still smoking.
not
One thing you can do is ask your friend to smoke in your car or your house, for your own protection.(second-hand smoke)

I don't ask folks not to smoke in my house I tell them ....this is a No Smoking Zone, I pay the rent here.
genebh
genebh
Try cold turkey. Ask your friends not to give/let you bum ciggies. They'd like you to 'share' in their misery. Stop before it's too late; sometimes it's never too soon. Hi, Grannie!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Try to be patient with your friend. I have quit and restarted and quit and restarted 4 times over the past 6 years, this is number 4. Tough talk works for some, but not for all, it could cause you to lose the friendship entirely. Trying to pressure or bully or intellectualize someone to your point a view is risky. Offer your friend support - tell her you are proud of her for the time that she did quit and for every cigarette she doesn't smoke. Maybe you can offer to be a support for her when she is ready to try again - perhaps you can take her out for tea or ice cream or be a shoulder for her to cry on. If she is struggling with powerful depression, it may help to know someone will love her and be kind to her, even if she isn't "perfect". Depression can skew thoughts and emotions and make people overly sensitive or feel more isolated than they really are (feeling like no one can/will love them because they are worthless, even though people do/will love them and see their worth). Good luck!