Your Partner Wants to Quit Smoking, How can You Help?
You probably feel great that your partner wants to quit smoking and
you want to do everything that you can in order to help. However, you
have to remember that quitting smoking is very difficult, and you
therefore have to set your expectations in accordance. For instance,
relapses are fairly common in people who try to stop smoking, and not
getting disheartened in a situation like this is very important.
Also, when it comes to breaking free from any addiction, the decision
needs to come from within. This simply means that no amount of arguing
of trying your coax your partner into quitting smoking will help unless
your partner actually wants to quit. And when your partner does want to
quit, you should ensure that he/she can count on your support.
Support from your side can come in various forms, and for starters you
should tell your partner how happy you are with this decision.
You can set up a system where your partner calls you every time he/she
feels like lighting up, and you would then have to ensure that you are
available for your partner whenever he/she needs to talk to you in this
period. This can really help because the cravings generally don’t last
for very long. Setting up a busy schedule is also something that you
should think about doing, and this is simply because the fewer the
distractions, the fewer are the chances of your partner wanting to
smoke. Also try and avoid any trigger situations, and these would be
situations where your partner would feel inclined to smoke. These can
include going to the nightclub, having a drink, etc.
Another thing that you can do to help is to find out everything that you
can about cigarette withdrawals and how they can be fought, and then
take the necessary steps to make your partner feel better. Also, if your
partner is not successful the first time around, remember that this is
not the end, and another effort can always be made. |
