[Moose72]

My friend is a 2 pack a day smoker and yesterday he told me he's quitting. He's timing his cigarettes so that the associations with wanting one are gone. Today he said his nicotine level was low but he seemed alright. His plan is to reduce the frequency until he's a non-smoker. How can I best support him through this? I don't want to bug him about it but I do want to hear his progress.

[sarahsweets]

Coming from someone who has quit in the past and currently needs to quit again for me, I prefer is someone asks me how the smoking is going and accepting my answer. For example I am currently off and on with the patch trying to work on getting it to stick and my family knows how hard it is. They will ask me generally but not be up my butt or judgmental about it. I guess it also depends on what kind of support your friend wants. If they want an accountability person I suggest they get a support person from a 12 step or smoking cessation support group because they will know more about what works and doesnt. but your friend might just want a person to ask them about it specifically too.

[Moose72]

I don't think its my place to be holding him accountable- I'm not his wife. But I do think he could benefit from a support person who is only that- not a friend

[Moose72]

It's been 10 months since I posted this and he was still smoking last October when he came to see me. I posted this in July last year and here it is May and he hasn't changed a thing that I know of.

[buddha1too]

You're a good friend. I'm sorry his progress is slow. Have you considered asking him again?