How to Discourage People From Smoking

Smoking is an addictive habit, and inhaling smoke on a regular basis increases your risk of illnesses such as lung cancer, oral cancer and emphysema. What's more, smoking cigarettes can worsen allergies and asthma, and increase the likelihood of developing a chronic cough. But even if you don't light up, you may surround yourself around people (family and friends) who smoke. While you can't make someone put down a cigarette, there are ways to offer support and discourage smoking.

Instructions

• 1

  Stay calm. Avoid getting angry or yelling at the smoker. Do not threaten the smoker or lose your temper. Express your dislike for the habit in a calm, mature manner.

• 2

  Offer suggestions. Propose that the smoker join a nicotine support group and offer to accompany him or her to a meeting.

• 3

  Remind him or her of the health dangers. Periodically mention the risk associated with smoking cigarettes such as cancer and respiratory problems. Remind the person that smoking also causes bad breath, discolored lips, and unpleasantly scented clothing and hair.

• 4

  Draw attention to the smoker's loved ones. Ask him or her to consider how smoking affects the people in his or her life (children, parents, spouses). Remind the smoker of the health risks linked to secondhand smoke, and if the person has children, encourage the smoker to set a good example by quitting.

• 5

  Keep the person's mind busy. Being bored or having excess idle time can prompt a smoker to light up. Help the smoker stay occupied by engaging in exercise with him or her or sharing a hobby to keep the hands busy.

• 6

  Ban smokers from your personal space. Do not allow friends or family to smoke inside your home or inside your vehicle.