Friends
You hang out with people you have stuff in common with, right? Well, teens who smoke usually hang out with people who smoke too. So what do you do when you want to quit smoking and your friends don’t? Will these relationships change while you’re trying to quit smoking? It’s important to know that quitting smoking could cause changes (some good and some bad) in some of your relationships and how to be ready for those changes so you can deal with them.
So what do you do
when you want to quit smoking and your friends don’t?
Here are some things to think about:
- You have plenty in common: You won’t lose your friends just
because you don’t smoke. You and your friends have plenty of other things in common
besides smoking. Remind yourself of what they are.
- Agree to disagree: You have your reasons for cutting back.
You need to do what’s right for you, but don’t judge your friends who aren’t ready
to take the step to quit. They need to do it on their own time.
- Who’s pressuring you to smoke—you or your friends? Most teens
pressure themselves into smoking as a way to be accepted by friends. Most of your
friends don’t care if you say no.
- Everyone is NOT doing it: Most people way
over estimate the number of people who are current smokers. About 80 percent of
teens do NOT smoke! The tobacco companies spend a lot of money to make people think
smoking is popular.
Here are some things to do:
- Change up your routines and patterns: You have routines and patterns
for how you interact with and relate to other people. And you probably have patterns
for smoking. Think about it. Chances are good that you smoke with the same people,
at the same time, in the same place, and while you’re doing the same thing (like
sharing cigarettes after school or smoking in the car with your sister). You may
not realize these patterns at first, but you’ll need to
identify them so you can begin to make changes. Mix up your routine by suggesting
non-smoking activities or seeking out the company of friends who don’t smoke.
- Avoid certain social situations: At first, it may be best to avoid
social situations that trigger you to smoke. If your plan to quit involves some
major changes, try explaining to your friends (and family) that you’re not avoiding
them, but you are avoiding situations that might make you want to smoke.
- Ask for help: Asking for help doesn’t have to be hard. It’s important
to tell the people you’re close to about your plan to quit. Let them know how they
can help you! It can strengthen your relationships.
Asking for help doesn’t have to be hard.