How do you stop someone from smoking when they refuse to get professional help?

Question

I know of two guys in my life that won't quit smoking. I don't think they believe it's important to quit smoking. I'm afraid that they will have serious health problems or cause the health problems of family members that live with them.

Another thing I forgot to mention, I gave up the nagging to stop smoking. It makes them want to ... be ... you know ... violent. They don't want to hear how it is bad for them.

Okay okay, this is very important to me. Don't tell me I cant help them. One of them is my father who smoked with my great grandmother who died of a bad case of lung cancer. Even when she was in the hospital she refused medical help. I am not letting it happen again.

Answer 1

It is hard to help someone, that won't help themselves. Just keep "bugging" them

Answer 2

You can't. Those that are addicted to a habit like smoking can only come to the decision to quit on their own. And, from experience, only nagging them will make them want to smoke even more. It is not always an issue of them not wanting to quit, but more of them having a hard time actually following through with it. Smoking is very addictive, and the longer someone has smoked the harder it becomes for them to quit. Sorry, but that is the way it is. Smokers tend to let outside influences affect them when it comes to smoking. There is always something or someone that makes them just want to light up! My advice has been for a long time, if you don't smoke, don't start.

Answer 3

* How to Persuade People Close to You to Quit Smoking *

If you are concerned about someone you know who is a smoker, try this approach to encourage them to quit.

Steps
Think of a strategy that includes cutting back on the number of cigarettes each day. Quitting cold turkey is much harder to do, and some people may not be willing to try it.
Make time to sit down with your friend and tell them that you're worried about them.
Ask if they would like your help and support to try to quit.
Explain your system if they say yes, and emphasize how you are willing to support their efforts along the way.
Discuss specific coping steps such as a phone call to you when the cravings get bad.
Think of new things to do as trigger behavior when a craving gets bad, like chewing gum, going for a walk, having a drink of water, doing push-ups - anything that will distract them from thinking about smoking.
Reassure them that they can do it.
Be as supportive as you can along the way. Quitting smoking is very hard to do, and involves a lot of emotional as well as physical addiction.
Encourage your friend to look forward and think positive!

Tips
You may want to start out with some tough love, and throw away all of the packs that are laying around, and lighters too. If new ones get purchased, throw them away too.
If your friend falls off the wagon and has a smoke, don't be too critical. Chances are they feel badly about it already, so be encouraging and help them get back on track.
Buy the book from Alan Carr: 'easy way'.

Warnings
Don't be too strict or critical, especially during the first couple of weeks. This will be a very difficult time for the smoker, to get over the worst of the withdrawal symptoms.

Answer 4

Now look Damn why are you trying to play doctor LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!!!! Are you one of these chicks that goes around and protest about smoking in restaurants and stores and oh god the most ridiculous protesting about smokers smoking outside. If these Two guys dont wanna quit you cant make them quit what are you gonna do hold a gun to their head and say Damnit quit smoking jesus christ yall people worry about too much stuff why dont you worry about crack heads and crack whores pimps and hookers or better yet starving kids that are living out on the streets because their parents lost their job at the tobacco company

Answer 5

well, options. I had to do this with my now ex roommate. I have asthma as does my daughter. I complaoned about our health problems and he respected it. He actually stopped all together cause opnce he slacked off, he realized that the cigarettes then tasted gross. One suggestion is dare them to stop smoking for 2 weeks, and then the taste will be gross to them. I promise. I remember friends telling me this back in High School thaat if you stray away from smoking, then start back -it tastes different and gross to them. It really motivates you to quit then. Suggest it and make a playful dare...I promise it will work. Once they get that taste out of their mouth and out of their system, i GUARANTEE when they try it again it will taste weird and unpleasant. Lemme know how it turns out!

Answer 6

It's tricky when they won't acknowledge that they need to stop. Make it clear how you feel, how important they are to you and the family and you want them around as healthy as poss and as long as poss. Set some rules about passive smoking. Make it difficult and unpleasant for them. Offer, offer and keep offering to support them in their decision to quit and make it seem as though they are not losing face. Lots of help on this website, plus this page is all about helping someone quit smoking: http://www.quitguide.com/help-someone-quit-smoking.html

Answer 7

If you keep insisting they get professional help, you're going to drive them nuts. Someone can only quit when they feel there's a need to, and not until then. They've heard all the facts, you've done all you can, now it's up to them. just leave them be. The more you push it, the more they'll smoke.

Answer 8

You can't MAKE anyone quit, that is their decision. But you can insist that they smoke outside and not in the car. That seriously cuts down on the amount of second hand smoke others get.

Answer 9

They have to make the decision themselves. One trick my father tried and worked. Have the individual smoke cartons of cigarettes till they turn blue in the face. The individual associates the sick feeling you eventually get with the cigarette and will feel nauseate at the sight of one. At least in theory, but it worked for a few people.

Answer 10

They know bc everybody knows. They refuse to quit be they are addicted and don't want to stop. They don't need professional help. You can do it on your own with the patch or other methods if you want to. See if you can get them to use the patch, it works. If not refuse to be around them when they are smoking. You need to protect your own health and if they want to be around you this will encourage them to quit.

Answer 11

Hit them over the head with a blunt instrument. All kidding aside, you cant make them stop. They will smoke , knowing they already have COPD . Smoking is a worst addiction known to mankind.