Be A Source of Support

Offer encouragement.
Wait for the person to say it’s time to quit. Instead of offering advice, ask how you can help.

Help make a quit kit.
Include gum, toothpicks, mints – anything the person might use instead of tobacco.

Help the person stay busy.
It will ease the urge to use tobacco, a feeling that usually passes in five minutes.

Be patient.
Simple things like taking a break or relaxing after a meal can be hard to do without tobacco. Be ready for the quitter to act grumpy or nervous.

Offer your help.
Make the first week less stressful. Help with chores or other things.

Keep offering.
An urge to smoke can happen months after quitting. Listen well and remind the person how far he or she has come.

Relapse or slips.
Taking a puff or smoking a cigarette or two are common when quitting. Stay positive; don’t scold, nag, or make the person feel guilty.

If the smoker relapses.
Don’t give up. Think of relapse as practice for success. Your loved one or friend is one step closer to quitting for good.

Encourage the person.
Most people who don’t succeed in quitting are ready to try again in the near future. Help the person remember all the reasons he or she wants to quit.

Help the person learn.
A failed attempt is the chance to learn about triggers and what works and what doesn’t. Now that the person knows about getting through the worst part, he or she can go farther next time.

Tools to Help Them Quit

Illinois Tobacco Quitline

"I’ve been rewarding myself with the cigarette money I no longer use!"

Angie U.

"I know how hard the road is to quit. I gave myself a goal and a reason. That’s what made me successful."

Clinton E.

"The Quit Line is a great place to start and end up a non-smoker. Do it for your kids and grandkids!"

Tina B.

"After a week, nicotine leaves your body. After that it’s the “going through the motions” like the first time of not smoking in your car, after a meal, morning coffee, etc. That was the toughest part. I’m going on 2 years now – after smoking for 40."

Chris L.

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