Health Corner

Cigarettes and most electronic cigarettes or vapes contain nicotine. Nicotine is very addictive. Even when someone knows the dangers, it can be very hard to stop smoking or vaping since nicotine actually rewires the brain's reward center. According to the American Lung Association, about 70% of people that smoke want to stop. Sometimes people are hesitant to try to stop smoking. They may have tried in the past but fell back into their previous behavior and may lack confidence that they can be successful.

Addiction to nicotine is a disease. In the beginning there was a choice but once addiction develops it takes more than willpower for someone to change their behavior. To manage the disease of addiction, a person will likely have many ups and downs. Finding what will work best for each individual is a process.

You may be wondering how you can help your mom, brother, or best friend on their journey to stop smoking or vaping. Having a good support system can make a big difference. Here are a few things you can do:

● Be encouraging - even when someone is just thinking about stopping or cutting back, you could say something like “It’s so great your thinking about stopping, have you thought about what you might want to do with the money you’d save?” or “I noticed you took a walk after lunch today instead of going out to smoke - That's awesome and I’m so proud of you!”
● Express care & avoid criticism - let them know you care but be careful not to criticize or nag. Nagging helps nobody.
● Be understanding about mood swings - they are very likely to happen in the first several days to weeks when someone stops. Don’t take bad moods or outbursts personally. Be prepared to extend a little extra grace.
● Ask directly how you can help - some people like extra support and distractions to keep busy, while others may want extra space or time alone to rest. This could be a good time to do a few nice favors - offer to babysit, pick up the groceries, or take care of the dishes. Alternatively, if someone wants extra space, give them that.
● Offer resources - the Maryland Quitline is a free phone-based program that connects people interested in stopping any nicotine or tobacco products with a trained coach. They can also provide nicotine replacement medicine like patches and gum through the mail. Consider helping your loved one make the call to 1800-QUIT-NOW or explore their website, https://quitnow.net/.
● Plan non-smoking/non-vaping activities - learning how to “unsmoke” is part of the process. What might we do to keep busy? To be social? Consider activities like working out, crafting, knitting, bowling, going to a movie, or volunteering at a local animal shelter - it’s hard to smoke or think about smoking if you're being active or in a place where it is not allowed.
● Avoid bars - often smoking is allowed in bars and it goes hand in hand with drinking for many people; suggest other places to go such as to the park, movies, or gym.
● Avoid smoking or vaping around them - if you smoke or vape, even if you're not ready to stop, refrain from smoking or vaping around someone who is trying to stop.
● Focus on celebrating their success - each day, week, month, etc. without smoking or vaping is a big win! Do something to celebrate it!