Congratulations. Your support and encouragement for someone trying to quit could be the motivation they need during a tough time. Here are a few things you can do to help them prepare to quit.
Your Quit-Smoking Role:
You might already know what it’s like when a smoker is trying to quit. It can be a difficult time. And while you can’t force anyone to quit, when the time is right, you can provide encouragement when they need it. Here’s what you can do:
Know that the beginning can be tough – The first few weeks during a smoker's quit can be the toughest. Try to create a stress-free environment whenever possible.
Focus on the positives rather than the negatives – Most smokers already know that smoking is bad for them and that they need to quit. Instead of telling them what they need to do, try to focus on their achievements. Tell them you're proud of them as often as you can, and support them with encouraging messages if they slip up.
Never tell a smoker they can have "just one" – No matter how much a smoker is tempted to smoke, or how challenged they may feel, you should not encourage them to smoke for any reason. Doing so may make it harder for them in the long run.
Provide support whenever possible – There are many things you may be able do help boost a smoker's confidence in their ability to quit:
- Tell them that you're proud of their progress.
- Offer to take breaks or walks.
- Help them celebrate quit anniversaries.
- Limit their exposure to cigarettes, especially if you are a smoker yourself.
- Ask them if there's anything you can do to help.
- If they slip up, encourage them not to give up.
Encourage them to speak to their doctor – Their doctor knows their medical history and can play an important role in helping them get the proper treatment.
Remember. Be patient and supportive. The smoker you are going to try to help is facing what is potentially one of the greatest challenges of their life. And give yourself a pat on the back, too. Helping someone get started on the road to quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for their health.
Next: Get Information for a FriendCHANTIX is a prescription medicine to help adults 18 and over stop smoking. You may benefit from quit-smoking support programs and/or counseling during your quit attempt. It’s possible that you might slip up and smoke while taking CHANTIX. If you do, you can stay on CHANTIX and keep trying to quit.
Important Safety Information
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.
Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking CHANTIX, some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to CHANTIX, some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking CHANTIX and get medical attention right away. Do not take CHANTIX if you have had a serious allergic or skin reaction to CHANTIX.
The most common side effects include nausea (30%), sleep problems, constipation, gas, and/or vomiting. If you have side effects that bother you or don’t go away, tell your doctor.
You may have trouble sleeping, vivid, unusual, or strange dreams while taking CHANTIX. Use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how CHANTIX may affect you.
CHANTIX should not be taken with other quit-smoking products. You may need a lower dose of CHANTIX if you have kidney problems or get dialysis.
Before starting CHANTIX, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you take insulin, asthma medicines, or blood thinners. Medicines like these may work differently when you quit smoking.
Uninsured? Need help paying for Pfizer medicines? Pfizer has programs that can help. Call 1-866-706-2400 or click here www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com.
