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Do I have to do this alone?

One of the hardest things to do is to quit smoking. And when you’re just beginning the journey as a non-smoker, you can feel very isolated and alone. One of the keys to success of becoming a non-smoker is to set up a support system. Whether it be family support (be cautious in who you choose), online, or at a local smoking cessation meeting, having a support system is vital.

There’s several free online message boards on the Internet that those with limited time may find to be a valuable option. It will help you connect with other people who are trying to stop smoking as well; it’ll give you a place to talk about your withdrawal symptoms or other challenges that you are facing with your new lifestyle.

Many of the message boards have different sections pertaining to the process of beginning to quit. Look for sections that pertain to what your going through, oftentimes they will have sections on the board that will coincide with what you are going through on any particular day. It is very comforting to see that others are going through the very same thing you are, and often the advice the other nonsmokers have posted is very helpful when you’re facing the same thing.

Family and friends, on the other hand, can be a blessing or a curse. They may feel that they are being ‘extra’ supportive by inquiring repeatedly on how you are doing, but this can become downright irritating and in worst cases, actually cause you to relapse.

Many family members and friends mean well and think they’re being encouraging by doing this, when you’re going through withdrawal symptoms and are naturally more agitated, this can be detrimental to your success. Sometimes just discussing this with them, before your quit day, can help nip it in the bud and make it a smoother transition.

Another option that a lot of people have found very helpful, is finding a local smoking cessation group. Often these group meetings may be held in a local hospital, at a library, or sometimes they meet at a church. Often you can find these meetings offered for free, or at the very least low cost in most cases.

Usually lasting about an hour or so, local support groups will give you the opportunity (as with online forums) to speak with others in the same situation as you. One of the huge benefits of course it the personal contacts you will make which could develop into quitting buddies. Having a buddy to assist you can be a great ally in remaining a non-smoker.

So before your quit day, be sure to decide on which method or methods of support you are going to use AND then use them! Of all the tools in the quitting smoker’s toolbox, support is the most effective of all, so be sure that this is where your quest begins.