Need Help To Quit Smoking? Free Sources of Advice and Support

In terms of quitting smoking, making the decision to give up is the most important step in what will be a difficult yet ultimately rewarding journey. The thought of mood swings, irritability, physical symptoms, weight gain, cravings and setbacks, however, can be enough to deter many smokers from quitting. While these are the unfortunate realities of quitting smoking, if you’ve got an adequate support system in place the process can be made much easier than it may otherwise have been. Between, friends, loved ones, former smokers and health professionals, help and support to quit smoking is often free and readily available.

Why Support Is Crucial

When facing the challenge of quitting smoking, it’s vitally important to know that you’re not alone. There will be days when you think you’ve reached the end of your tether and you can’t do it anymore; having someone there to remind you of how far you’ve come and what an effort you’ve made can make all the difference between success and failure. Having a support network can also help you deal with cravings and temptations, whether it’s having a friend to phone, a spouse to go for a walk with or someone to distract you at a party when you’re tempted to light up.

Friends & Family

Your friends and family can be, in many cases, your best source of free help to quit smoking. They’re the ones that know you the best, and so will have a good idea of what and what not to say and do in the early days. They are also the ones most likely to understand and be forgiving, lest you lash out in a torrent of withdrawal-induced anger! Make sure you tell as many of your friends and family as possible of your decision to quit. If you go to social gatherings and the like, knowing that there are people there who think you’ve quit and who will likely react negatively if you light up can often be enough to snuff out the temptation.

Online

The internet has a wealth of advice, tips and free help to quit smoking. This can range from what to expect when you quit, to the pros and cons of various stop-smoking aids, to how to handle cravings and everything in between. The biggest advantage of the internet is being able to connect with people who have given up smoking, or who are currently in the process. Being able to share similar stories and offload can be incredibly cathartic. It’s also true that no-one truly knows what it’s like to give up smoking unless they’ve done it themselves, so the advice that ex-smokers offer is likely to be useful.

Quit Smoking Hotlines

Many countries have telephone hotlines that offer free help and advice to quit smoking. The operators are trained in how to help someone quit smoking, and to listen without judgment. The range of help offered goes from counseling to help deal with emotional issues related to quitting, through to practical tips on how to handle cravings and the like.

However you decide to quit smoking, support is absolutely crucial. Whether it’s from loved ones, fellow ex-smokers or anyone else, free help and advice to quit smoking should be a cornerstone of your quit plan. Knowing that you’re not alone really can increase your chances of kicking the habit for good.