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Help Someone Quit

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How Long Do You Need to Help?

• The first seven to 10 days are the toughest, and your friend may need the most help during this time. Most smokers who return to smoking do so within the first three months, so try to keep in close touch for at least that long.
• "Slips" (having a puff or smoking one or two cigarettes) are pretty common. If your friend has slipped, remind them of all the good reasons to stay quit. Praise all your friend's nonsmoking efforts, and remind them that a "slip" does not mean they're a smoker again. As long as they keep trying and don't give up, they will be able to quit for good.
• Former smokers may encounter an urge to smoke months or even years after they quit. This is normal. Remind your friend that such urges will occur less often over time and they'll eventually stop completely.
• You deserve a lot of credit for helping someone overcome their addiction. Your help can make the difference. Most people who are able to stop smoking are the ones who get help and encouragement from family, friends and co-workers.

If Your Friend Starts Smoking Again

Forget about blame or guilt. Your friend is really still learning how to quit - they are not failing. Remind your friend about how well he or she did during the time without cigarettes. Each time someone tries to quit is a step forward. Help figure out what led to the relapse and make a plan for what they'll do differently next time. The best thing to say to your friend is, "Good try! I still care about you and will help you until you quit smoking for good."

Try to feel good about all your efforts to help. You can prepare together for the next time your friend tries to quit smoking.

Additional Resources

Suggest that your friend sign up for the [link to “stop smoking now” button sign-up] Freedom From Smoking® resources through this website, or call a local Easterseals to discuss in-person consultation and guidance through the program.

And you or your friend can always call the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) for more assistance!

Read More

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults — United States, 2005–2012. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. January 17, 2014; 63(02): 29-34.
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Quick Stats: Current Smoking* Among Men Aged 25–64 Years, by Age Group and Veteran Status—National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), United States, 2007–2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2012; 61(45).
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults — United States, 2005–2013. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. November, 28, 2014; 63(47): 1108-1112.

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