When you’re watching someone you love light up a cigarette each day it can be difficult. Especially because you’re both aware of the chemicals they’re putting into their body and how much they could be cutting their life expectancy down by. So, when that loved one decides to quit their habit, and either goes cold-turkey or moves onto vaping products instead – 88Vape have a great range of vaping products, click the link to find out more – it’s natural to want to step up and do as much as you can to help them along their incredibly difficult journey.
So, what’s the answer? Read on for some simple ways you can help a family member quit cigarettes for good.
Know the signs of nicotine withdrawal
Sometimes it’s not just a strong craving that your loved one will have to deal with, they may also have to battle the side effects of extreme nicotine withdrawal. They might not actually want a cigarette, but they can still display the signs of their body coping with the lack of the drug it’s become addicted to. Making yourself familiar with the signs of nicotine withdrawal will allow you to be patient and help support your partner more. Signs can include:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Frustration
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite and subsequent weight gain
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Difficulty sleeping
Have some distractions at the ready
Smokers smoke because it’s a habit. They reach for their cigarettes at certain times, whether it’s after a meal, with their morning coffee, or when they’re stressed. So, when they deny their body this habit, their cravings are going to be stronger than normal. Having some distractions ready will certainly help them take their mind off their cravings until they pass. Good distractions can include:
- Getting a job done, such as cleaning
- Taking the dog for a walk
- Having a conversation
- Going outside and get some fresh air together
When you’re not around
Of course, you can’t be there all the time, and your partner doesn’t want to be monitored 24/7! However, you can help them create their own set of distractions to keep their hands and their minds off cigarettes:
- Have straws in the car or at home to chew or hold between fingers
- Chew gum (check out nicotine replacement gum if you think it may help)
- Snacking on healthy items such as veggie sticks
- Exercise
Reward them for their achievements
When your loved one chooses to give up smoking, they’re letting go of something that they enjoy. It can make them feel miserable! So, try to fill their lives with new and exciting ways to spend time together and to recognise their achievements.
- Try a date night
- Have a night away somewhere new
- Try a new class together
- Be gym buddies
- Treat them!
Most important of all is to encourage them as much as possible and remind them why they chose to quit in the first place. If you think they may need more support, speak with your doctor.
