When a person decides to stop smoking friends and family members usually react in a positive way. It is important to surround yourself with people who will support your efforts as you cope with the challenge of stopping tobacco use. Your new support network can help you through the difficult times. Each person who decides to stop tobacco use is different in how they would like to receive support. Some people find it helpful to have their support network ask how it’s going and offer praise and encouragement. Others may find this type of support “nagging†and prefer to have their support network just be available to spend time sharing in nonsmoking activities such as going to a movie theatre.
For the most part, it is best to identify specific people who will support your efforts to quit smoking. It’s important to let your support people know the best ways that they can be of help to you. Only you know what they are so discuss this with your support person in advance and keep the lines of communication open. Remember the support step within the plan can be found here on the BecomeAnEX.org Web site http://becomeanex.org/#relearn_support/community
Dr. Richard D. Hurt is an internationally recognized expert on tobacco dependence. A native of Murray, Kentucky, he joined Mayo Clinic in 1976 and is now a Professor of Medicine at its College of Medicine. In 1988, he founded the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and since then its staff has treated over 33,000 patients for tobacco dependence. Send your questions directly to Dr. Hurt at AskTheExpert@becomeanex.org
