Help Someone Quit

Want to encourage your friend or relative to quit smoking? Try following this list...

  • Encourage your friend/relative to list the reasons for quitting. Post it on the bathroom mirror at home or pin it up in the office or post it on their MySpace or Facebook page so that they can be reminded each morning why they want to quit. When the going gets tough, you can help by reminding them why they wanted to quit.
  • Help set a quit date. Would a weekend be better so you can help support them at home? Or do you work or go to school together so starting on a Monday makes more sense? You can help your friend/relative stick to the date.
  • Ask how you can be most helpful. Quitting is different for every smoker. Some people may want to be regularly reminded about their goals; others may not want to talk about it.
  • Be ready to help, especially in the first few days. They may need extra support – a phone call, a visit, a movie, a text message -- whenever they feel like having a cigarette.
  • Ask how they’re feeling and let them know how much you admire them for quitting. Use the e-cards on www.njrebel.com to help support them.
  • Offer rewards after reaching milestones like the first 24 hours or first week. You could wash the dishes or mow the lawn if you’re supporting a parent. Take a friend out to lunch or put some gas in their car.
  • Connect them with other programs the state of New Jersey sponsors for its residents: whatsyourexcusenj.com has New Jersey quit smoking support and resources; njquit2win.com offers details on current programs designed to help people quit smoking; njquitnet.com can help you create a quit smoking plan and get advice from other New Jersey residents who are trying to stop smoking.

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