How can I stop smoking when everyone else around me does?

Answer 1

Since smokers are a minority, I wonder why "everyone else" around you smokes. Perhaps it's because you, as a smoker, chose friends who smoke?? If that it the case, then you need to make a conscious effort to make some non-smoking friends. Quitting is hard, and it's even harder if you are surrounded by people who are constantly trying to undermine your decision.

Look around you - there are plenty of people who don't smoke. They may now avoid you because your clothes stink. But try to hang out where non-smokers hang out. Join a club or start a sports activity where few people are smokers. You may have to be a bit brutal about excluding your old, smoking, friends from your life for a while. You need people who will be supportive, not people who will blow smoke in your face and ask if you don't want some.

If you live with your family and they all smoke, that's really hard. Ask them to respect your decision - and you. But it will be much harder if you have it at home all the time. If you are old enough, get your own place so you can keep your living/sleeping area smokefree.

Good luck - quitting is hard, but the rewards are great!

Answer 2

Learn to set an example for others to follow. Wake up tommorow morning and promise your heart that you are smoke free from then onwards. Then preach your good-news to everyone else around you. Finally, be commited to sticking to your word. All these wont be easy, but a bumpy road won't last forever. There is one above who can redeem. It's only a prayer away.

Answer 3

Its going to be hard, no question. It means the physical craving will stick around alot longer. But a friend of mine gave up smoking pot last year (all his friends and his father who he lived with did it constantly.) He actually managed to inspire one of his friends to quit with him. You just need a hell of alot more will power. You have your reasons to quit, focus on them dayly. If you are going to be around people whos routine is based on smoking, find a new (safe) harmful habit to adopt when they smoke... Could be something as simple as chewing gum, or more active like half doing suduko while talking to them. Then you have something to occupy your mind, but you are still involved socially.

Be aware though, passive smoking is pretty much as damaging as normal smoking, so you may wish to distance yourself from those people a bit/a lot.

Basically just be strong, keep in mind why you are doing this. Use the nicotine patches or gum, find support material/groups - anything that makes it easier. You CAN do it. And when you do it (despite those around you making it harder) you'll be a much stronger person in yourself too.

Good luck!

Answer 4

stop hanging around people that smokes.... get the patch... see a doctor.... read up on the effects of long term smoking....