How do you encourage a person to quit smoking that has been smoking since the age of 16?

Dear Jeeni,

You're not going to have much success unless
they want to stop. I have a sister-in-law who
used to smoke forty cigarettes a day! No that's
ridiculous! Make that thirty! Actually she's
quitting tomorrow!

Seriously though, they can try wearing the 'patches,'
they can view all those awful DVDs about the effects
of smoking on your lungs - it may work.

Then there's the visit to a cancer ward at your nearest
hospital - this could have a greater effect. Or a talk
with your local GP.

The bottom line is - they're the ones that are going to
have to do it. Some people can stop 'cold turkey,' but
they've got to want to do it and see it through.

It's all up to them. Whether they want to live or die.
The decision is theirs to make.

Good Luck.

Quit smoking?
Why not just look on the footpath outside any office bulding bank etc and see the fag butts on the ground, surely such littering will affect the conscience?
If you are too thick, then think further and follow the rainwater down the drain and into the waterways rivers/oceans thats your rubbish.

I think the whole "quit" message is flawed. The term implies defeat, giving up, failure. I would suggest a more positive term such as "stop" or even a phrase such as "choose to become a non-smoker", both of which imply a definite choice and a positive outcome.

I gave up nearly 15 years ago, having smoked for about the same period and being a 2-pouches-of-rollies a week man at the time of stopping. I had tried to do so countless times, but the successful one was when I simply said "I've stopped". I was no longer "trying" or "quitting", I was taking a stand and that was enough to bolster my will-power.

Good luck to your friend, it's not an easy step, but it's very much a worthwhile one.

Bunch of wimps.

I was a fifty a day man for 45+ years. Enjoyed every one of them too.

After I retired, there were other vices I wanted to spend my money on, more than cigaretts, so I gave up. If I got them, on prescription, for 5 bucks a month, like some of this other junk, the doctor makes me take, I'd still be smoking. I'm sure all the deep breathing involved in smoking must be good for you.

It's easy, you just stop. But, as someone else said, you have to really want to. Just thinking it would be a good idea, for your health, or bank balance will not be enough.

Of course, if it really is bad for you, it's bad luck for the rest of you. I may live longer, & cost you a fortune in medical expences, for a longer time.

Making someone quit smoking is a very difficult thing. It is completely up to the person to quit the habit. One requires a strong will and desire to quit. These are not the only factors. You may find very interesting tips to quit smoking, do follow the link http://www.stop-smoking-guru.com . This site is completely dedicated to stop smoking and I personally think it will certainly help.
All the Best