How can you support someone who is quitting smoking?

01

The key distinction

Support is not control. You cannot make the decision for another adult, and reminders about smoking harms may feel like judgment when they already know them. If they are not ready, you can express concern calmly, leave the offer of help open and still set clear smoke-free boundaries for your home or car.

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02

How to read the evidence

Ask for specific instructions: whether they want a check-in, company during a difficult routine, help making shared spaces smoke-free or information about local professional support. Remove cigarettes, lighters or ashtrays only when you have agreed to do so; confiscating or secretly tracking them turns help into surveillance.

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03

What it means in practice

If they smoke after stopping, avoid interrogation or shame. Ask what they want to do next, help them notice the situation that preceded it and point them toward qualified support if they choose. You are a supporter, not their clinician, and you may protect your own time, safety and wellbeing too.

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04

What to keep in mind

• Support is not control
• Ask for specific instructions: whether they want a check-in, company during a difficult routine, help making shared spaces smoke-free or information about local professional support
• If they smoke after stopping, avoid interrogation or shame

05

Common questions