Talking to patients about smoking
- The patient has to want to quit People only stop smoking when they’re ready and want to do it. ...
- Keep nudging Keep the lines of communication open so you can ask them about their smoking again in the future. ...
- Make the most of the triggers for quitting There are some key things that trigger people to stop smoking. ...
- Avoid judgement ...
- Offer support ...
- Training for professionals ...
What do you say to someone who is quitting smoking?
Do congratulate the person who's quitting for making a quit attempt, and remind them that it can take many attempts before quitting for good. Don’t scold, tease, nag, blame, or make the person who's quitting feel guilty. Be sure they know that you care about them, whether or not they smoke.
How can counseling help you quit smoking?
But the good news is there are proven treatments that can help you quit. Can help you make a plan to quit smoking. Can help you prepare to cope with stress, urges to smoke, and other issues you may face when trying to quit. Using counseling and medication together gives you the best chance of quitting for good.
Can I persuade my loved one to quit smoking?
Persuading someone to quit smoking isn’t always an easy task. It’s possible that your smoker has tried to quit, but failed. It’s possible that they want to quit, but don’t have the tools or support they need to move forward. That’s where you come in. Your help and continued support will help persuade your loved one to quit smoking successfully.
What do you do when someone slips when quitting smoking?
A “slip” (taking a puff or smoking a cigarette or 2) is pretty common when a person is quitting. Do remind the quitter how long they went without a cigarette before the slip. Do help the quitter remember all the reasons they wanted to quit, and help them forget about the slip as soon as possible.
How do you talk to someone about quitting smoking?
Assist the tobacco user to: Get support from family, friends, and coworkers. Review past quit attempts—what helped, what led to relapse. Anticipate challenges, particularly during the critical first few weeks, including nicotine withdrawal. Identify reasons for quitting and benefits of quitting.
What could you do to support someone who wants to stop smoking?
Offer Encouragement Offer to check in on them via calls or visits to ask how they're feeling and remind them of their progress. Create a quit kit that includes gum, toothpicks or mints to help them when the urge to use tobacco arises. Your continued understanding and support will help them keep trying and succeed.
What is the first line treatment for smoking cessation?
Nicotine replacement therapy Clinical guidelines recommend NRT as a first-line treatment for tobacco cessation. All commercially available forms (gum, transdermal patch, nasal spray, inhaler, and lozenges) are effective in helping smokers increase their chance of quitting successfully.
How do you tell someone you don't want to smoke?
Strategies to resist the pressures to smokeSay "No": "No thanks." "I'm not interested." ... Change the subject.Tell the truth: "I'm allergic." ... Use humour. "I can't smoke. ... Give a reason: "I don't want to smoke. ... Provide other options: "I'd rather beat you at basketball!" ... Leave.Tell a story:
How long after quitting smoking are you considered a non smoker?
How Long do You Have to Quit Smoking to be Considered a Non-Smoker for Life Insurance? Generally if you haven't smoked for 12 months or more, you're considered a non-smoker. The non-smoking time length rules vary among insurance companies.
What is the most successful smoking cessation program?
Ranked as one of the most effective cessation programs in the country, Freedom From Smoking® has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit for good and is now available in a variety of formats.
How long does it take for nicotine addiction to go?
How long does nicotine withdrawal last? Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually begin a few hours after your last cigarette. They are usually strongest in the first week. For most people, nicotine withdrawal fade and are gone after about 2 to 4 weeks.
What is similar to Chantix?
Chantix (varenicline) and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) are two effective prescription smoking cessation medications. Studies suggest that Chantix is more effective than bupropion for helping you initially quit smoking, but both are similarly effective at getting you to stay away from smoking long term.
When quitting smoking stress management techniques can do what?
Coping With Stress Without SmokingRelax. Our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. ... Breathe. Take a few slow, deep breaths—in through your nose, out through your mouth. ... Locate Your Stress. ... Visualize. ... Exercise. ... Talk. ... Focus. ... Care.More items...
What's the benefits of quitting smoking?
improves health status and enhances quality of life. reduces the risk of premature death and can add as much as 10 years to life expectancy. reduces the risk for many adverse health effects, including poor reproductive health outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.
How do I deal with my boyfriend smoking?
Consider the following options:Help your boyfriend commit to a quit date. ... Assist with preparing his living space to be smoke-free — before his quit date. ... Check in frequently. ... Surprise your sweetie with a supportive care package. ... Help him avoid situations that may trigger the urge to smoke. ... Avoid giving advice.More items...•
What to do when someone quits smoking?
When someone takes the big step of deciding to quit smoking, family, friends, and co-workers can make a huge difference by giving their help and support. If your friend isn't quite ready to quit, try to see it from their side. For most smokers, cigarettes have been a steady companion for a long time. Some reluctance is normal, and it doesn't mean ...
How to tell a friend to quit smoking?
Be sure to tell your friend about Freedom From Smoking, 1-800-LUNGUSA and their state's free quitline for support in quitting and staying quit.
What is Freedom from Smoking Plus?
Give the gift of a membership to Freedom From Smoking Plus, our online proven quit smoking program. Participants create a custom quit plan, build skills to break their addiction, learn about medication to help them quit, track their successes and learn how to maintain a smokefree life.
Why is it important to quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of their life. Learn how to help someone you love stop smoking.
What is the number to contact for lung health?
To assist employers, we offer several programs for businesses and managed care providers. Contact us at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or [email protected] to learn how we can provide our gold standard tobacco cessation program, Freedom From Smoking ®, to your business.
Is quitting smoking a process?
Quitting smoking is a journey and a process, not a single event. See how you can help your friend every step of the way, from making a quit plan to avoiding relapse.
What to do if you smoke and are in contact with someone trying to quit?
If you smoke and are in contact with someone trying to quit. Do smoke outside and always away from the person trying to quit. Do keep your cigarettes, lighters, and matches out of sight. They might be triggers for your loved one to smoke.
How to celebrate someone quitting smoking?
Do celebrate progress along the way. Quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL! Do thank the person who's quitting for not exposing others to harmful secondhand smoke. Don’t doubt their ability to quit. Your faith in the person who's quitting helps remind them they can do it. Don’t judge, nag, preach, tease, or scold.
How long does it take for a person to get better after quitting smoking?
Tell them you understand the symptoms are real and remind them that they won’t last forever. The symptoms usually get better in a few weeks.
What does it mean to slip a cigarette?
A “slip” (taking a puff or smoking a cigarette or 2) is pretty common when a person is quitting . Do remind the person who's quitting how long they went without a cigarette before the slip. Do help the person who's quitting remember all the reasons they wanted to quit, and help them forget about the slip as soon as possible.
How to congratulate someone who quits?
Do congratulate the person who's quitting for making a quit attempt, and remind them that it can take many attempts before quitting for good . Don’t scold, tease, nag, blame, or make the person who's quitting feel guilty. Be sure they know that you care about them, whether or not they smoke.
What to do when someone quits?
Do help the person who's quitting to get what they need, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, and fresh veggies cut up and kept in the refrigerator.
How to get rid of cigarette smoke smell in house?
Do remove all lighters and ash trays from your home. Remove anything that reminds them of smoking. Do wash clothes that smell like smoke. Clean carpets and drapes. Use air fresheners to help get rid of the tobacco smells – and don’t forget the car, too.
What is the circle icon for quit smoking?
chevron circle right solid icon#N#Can help you make a plan to quit smoking.#N#chevron circle right solid icon#N#Can help you prepare to cope with stress, urges to smoke, and other issues you may face when trying to quit.
Can you quit smoking if you are addicted to nicotine?
Many people who smoke become addicted to nicotine, a drug that is found naturally in tobacco. This can make it hard to quit smoking. But the good news is there are proven treatments that can help you quit.
What are tips from former smokers posters?
Posters tell patients “You can quit” and direct patients to talk to their healthcare team, dental team, pharmacist, HIV specialist, or child’s healthcare team. Use these posters in clinics, pharmacies, and waiting rooms to start conversations with patients about quitting.
How many times have the tips from former smokers ads been played?
To date, these ads have played over two million times in stores where a pharmacist is accessible for cessation support.
What is the AAFP tobacco and nicotine program?
Learn more about AAFP’s#N#external icon#N#Tobacco and Nicotine Program, which provides valuable resources on tobacco and nicotine prevention and control . The AAFP’s Tobacco and Nicotine Toolkit#N#external icon#N#offers resources to support tobacco and nicotine prevention and cessation.
How to talk to someone who smokes?
You are talking to another person - who like you, is experiencing thoughts and feelings about a variety of things. Think about how you would like to be treated if you were that person. Do not be judgmental. You don't know why the person smokes and it is not a reflection on their character. Focus on the behavior and how it affects you. Be calm and state your concern directly.
Is it hard to quit smoking?
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and it is hard to quit smoking. But only the smoker can decide if they are ready to quit smoking. You can't do it for them.
What to do if you can't quit smoking?
Suggest seeing a professional. If you can’t be enough support for them, it might be time to recruit the help of a professional. Behavioral therapists can often help people quit smoking. [5]
What to do if you smoke on a break?
If they smoke on their work breaks, offer to go on a walk with them instead. If they smoke after a meal, ask them to help clean up or walk the dog. If they smoke first thing in the morning, offer to share a cup of coffee with them. If they smoke when they drink, avoid parties or bars where alcohol is served.
How to quit a job with a loved one?
Make the quitting process as easy as possible for your loved one. Offer to be available by phone when they need you if a craving happens. Let them know you’ll be supportive through the whole process. Recruit others to be part of the support network as well, if possible.
What are the health problems that smoking cigarettes can cause?
Remind them how much you love them and want to keep them around for many years to come. Smoking causes serious health conditions like lung cancer. It’s also a known cause of Osteoporosis, stroke, and depression.
What to do when you have a hard time sleeping?
Sleep might be hard to come by for a while. Suggest some things they can do, like read a book, watch a television show, or write in a journal.
How to get your client to listen to your advice?
Appeal to their emotional side. This way they’ll know your motivation is in the right place and will be more likely to listen to your advice.
What to do if your dog smokes after a meal?
If they smoke after a meal, ask them to help clean up or walk the dog.
