A Way to Show Thanks to Those You Love Thanksgiving is a time of year to think about what you are most grateful for. It may be a place to live, a job you love or most often having family and friends in your life. With more than 20 percent of the U.S. population still smoking, it is likely that one of your close friends or family members uses tobacco. Some may be looking to quit smoking; others may be waiting for someone to encourage them to do so. Take time during this season of Thanksgiving to give thanks and show support to smokers you love. Research shows that smokers are 50 percent more likely to succeed in quitting smoking if they have social support from friends and family.1 There are several ways you can help a loved one go nicotine-free: Remember that deciding to quit is very personal. If a smoker you love is thinking of quitting but does not seem ready to commit, it probably will not help to badger or nag the person. It may help to talk openly and honestly about smoking and why he or she wants to quit. Let your loved one know that when the time comes, you will be there with your support. Understand that quitting takes planning. As your loved one prepares to quit, help him or her think through the process. Talk about the potential challenges. Make a list of reasons it is important to quit. Help your loved one learn the most effective ways to quit, and discuss the resources that are available to help. Be "on call." Show your support by asking your friend or family member to call you when a cigarette craving strikes. You can be a great short-term distraction. Remember that most cravings pass within 15 minutes. Come up with some new activities your friends can use to make it through a rough spot. You can also identify the time of day your loved one usually smokes for the first time. Call every day at that time for the first week so that he or she has something else to look forward to. Be a source of encouragement. Quitting smoking takes constant work, commitment and energy. Tell your loved one that you recognize the dedication and that you're proud of the effort. Let your loved one know how well he or she is doing and find ways to celebrate each accomplishment. Be understanding. Quitting is difficult, and it can make people grouchy and irritable. Be patient with your loved one. If a slip should occur and your friend should smoke a cigarette or two, do not be disappointed. Keep up the encouragement and do not let him or her get discouraged. On average it takes former smokers eight to 11 tries to quit for good. Let your loved one know that you'll be there when they are ready to try again. With the upcoming holidays, the new year is a great time to make a resolution to kick the habit. Reiterate to family and friends that you will be there to support them throughout the year and throughout the quitting process. 1 Fiore MC, Bailey WC, Cohen SJ, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Clinical Practice Guideline. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services. Public Health Service. June 2000.