Be

Supportive a Buddy

Supporting Your Buddy Through The Quitting Process

SMART STEPS ...towards a smoke-free life

10 Tips to Being a Successful Buddy:

Be

Supportive Supportive Criticizing someone who is trying to quit smoking doesn’t motivate them to quit or stay quit, in fact, it usually adds stress. By avoiding nagging comments you can increase someone’s chances of success

Encouraging Show you care through supportive words: “I’m so proud of your decision to be smoke-free!”

Be

Available Supportive Just being there to talk can help somebody avoid triggers and get through their cravings.

Patient

Quitting is a process and it takes time. Your buddy will go through withdrawal and may be irritable or have mood swings. Bear with them, it will pass!

Be

Aware Supportive Quitting may take several attempts, and slip-ups are normal. Your buddy will need your support! Encourage them to refocus and start again.

Fun Have some fun together and participate in non-smoking activities. This can provide extra support, especially if your buddy has a lot of smoking friends. Take a look at the local newspaper and find out what events are going on around the city, or take up a new activity together like rock-climbing or an art class.

Be

Active Supportive Go for a walk! Your buddy may find it hard to replace their daily smoke-breaks; offer to go for walks with them instead. Exercise is also a great stress-reliever and a healthy addition to a new, smoke-free lifestyle!

Informed

Not everyone has the same needs when they are trying to quit. The best way to help your buddy is to ask what they will need from you.

Be

Prepared Supportive After talking to your buddy, create a plan by filling out the mutual agreement. Occasionally refer back to your agreement to see if you’re on track.

Be

Supportive a Buddy Reward your buddy for staying smoke-free by going out for dinner or to a movie to celebrate their success!

A Mutual Agreement Make sure you a have a discussion about what actions you can do, or avoid, to be a supportive buddy.

3.

2.

1.

I will avoid the following behaviours in support of my buddy:

3.

2.

1.

I agree to support my buddy by:

Be

Supportive