What to Say to Get a Spouse to Stop Smoking
Convincing a loved one to quit smoking is never an easy task. First of all they need to have the will to stop. If deep down there heart really isn't into it, there's not going to be a lot you can do to change their mind. However, a good place to start is to educate them on all the negative effects of smoking.
You should educate them on all the risks that are involved, such as lung cancer, premature ageing and cardiovascular disease. It's a good idea to remind them how much you love them and how unbearable life would be without them. After they finally make the decision to quit, you're job isn't over. Now it's important to offer them loving support.
The following are a few things you can do to help your spouse as he/she tries to quit smoking:
- Encouragement: Positive reinforcement from friends or family is so important for anyone who tying to quit any bad habit. Perhaps your spouse has a very close relative that he or she looks up to. Getting that person to say a few encouraging words can make all the difference in the world.
- Stay positive: There's always a possibility that your loved one might fall off the wagon once or twice. If this happens it's important to stay positive. Don't condemn them. While it is important to communicate your disappointment, it should always be followed up by some encouraging words that reinstate how much you believe that they can do it.
- Let's do it together: Even if you don't smoke, perhaps you have a bad habit too. By quitting your respective bad habits at the same time, not only will you both come out stronger in the end, but you will also help the other person achieve their goals. It's never easy to go it alone. Perhaps the person is worried that they will gain weight after they quit. It's also a good idea to diet and exercise together. This way you'll both come out healthier in the end.
- Help research medical options: Before they start taking any medications, it's important to consult a doctor. However you can help your spouse by doing research in the available treatment options. Popular treatments include: Nicorette, nicotine gum and the patch.
Any addiction is a horrible thing that can lead to depression. By staying positive and lending you're loving support, you'll be able to help your spouse through this difficult time.
As stated above, education can be one of the most powerful tools in convincing someone to quit smoking. For a detailed list of all the negative effects of cigarettes, please visit our effects of smoking page. We are a website that's dedicated to helping people quit smoking.