Watching Them Smoke – Tips for the loved ones of smokers

Your spouse is up to two packs a day and starts to shake when he goes a few hours without a cigarette. Your mom’s years of smoking are really starting to show in her hair, nails and skin, and her breathing is most certainly a problem. Your teenager’s smoking and other reckless activity is really starting to scare you. It’s difficult to watch a loved one who smokes degrade into poor health. You want them to quit, but every time you mention it, they just shut you out.

It’s tempting to use sarcasm or criticism to help stop the behavior, but this often leads the smoker deeper into the habit. Here are some things you can do to support your loved one.

• Spend quantity and quality time – When you spend time with your loved one who smokes, you let them know they are important to you.

• Tell them you love them – The words must also be followed up by actions, but they are a good start.

• Look for open moments- Some moments the time is right to bring up the subject of quitting, some are not.

• Listen – when your loved one needs someone to talk to about any subject, make sure you are available.

• Do some research – There are many organizations and informational sites such as this one where you can get information, just be sure not to bombard your loved one with too much.

• Be supportive – Criticizing your loved one often gives the opposite of the desired result, instead let them know they can do it and that you believe in them.

If your loved one never stops smoking, be willing to accept the situation. Who knows, when you do finally accept the circumstances, you might be surprised with a phone call from them asking for help to quit.