Tips for Youth

Did you know? 96% of teens say they would support a friend who wanted to quit smoking.

Quitting will be easier if your friend has support from you.

Studies show most teens would help a friend to quit smoking if they were asked. So let them know you are there to help.

Friends and family don't always know how to help a smoker until you tell them what is needed. So tell them what you have learned.

Give support with withdrawal symptoms.

Understand that they might be stressed for a few days. They may ask for help:

• "Can you please cut me some slack if I'm more stressed (...worried, depressed, angry, or tired) than usual." Or "Please make me laugh instead of getting mad at me."
• If you do get grouchy with someone, have something prepared to say: "I'm sorry, I'm having a tough time with withdrawal. I'm almost through it, it will be over soon."

Offer support for smoke-free spaces.

• Tell other friends that they can help by going to smoke-free places--houses, cars, restaurants, etc.
• Ask other friends not to offer cigarettes or smoke around them.

Offer help with temptation and social situations.

• Tell everyone close to them that they are trying to quit.
• Ask others to help them through difficult situations.
• Spend time with non-smokers, and people who have already quit smoking.

Offer encouragement.

• Ask other friends if they would like to quit also.
• Ask others to encourage them especially if they see they are having a tough time.

Some friends who have never smoked may not know how to support efforts to quit. And some friends who still smoke may not know how to help a smoking friend make a change, while still doing things together.  Quit4Life can help your friend develop a plan that involves friends and family as much as they want to, and help the smoker get the support that they need to quit.

Research shows that most people will support a friend if they try to quit. Just in case, can you think of anyone who might not support them?

If your friend does come across the occasional person who gives them a hard time, here's what to do.

• Recognize that their decision to quit may make some people feel uneasy if they still smoke.
• Help them keep focus on their goal of being a non-smoker and avoid criticizing others for their lack of support or caring.
• They may have to learn to speak up for themselves and ask others not to nag or tease them about quitting. Nagging and teasing may be their way of coping or supporting them--they may not know how else to act.
• Practice. Think about some social situations in which others may not be supportive of your friend quitting--make a plan ahead of time and practice with them what they can say and do if others make it difficult for them to remain smoke-free.