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Your support can make all the difference.

You want to help someone you care about quit nicotine—but you’re not sure how. You’re not alone. Supporting someone through this process can be hard, especially when emotions are high or past attempts haven’t worked. Your encouragement can make a big difference. In fact, people are more likely to quit when they feel supported by someone they trust.

How we can help

Self-help resources

How to help someone quit

Start with Empathy, Not Pressure

Quitting nicotine is a deeply personal decision. Even if you see the health risks clearly, your friend or loved one may be at a different point emotionally. The best thing you can do is create space for open, honest conversation without judgment or ultimatums.

Start by asking questions that invite dialogue:

”Is it okay if we talk about your nicotine use?”
“Is there anything that would make quitting easier?”
“What’s worked, or not worked, for you in the past?”

Listen more than you talk. Let them express their frustrations, fears, or hesitations. Empathy means meeting them where they are, not where you want them to be.

If they’re not ready to quit, that’s OK. Let them know you’ll be ready to support them whenever they are. Sometimes just knowing someone’s on their side can make all the difference.

Encouraging without nagging

You want to help. But when your encouragement starts sounding like pressure, it can backfire — causing stress, frustration, or even defiance.

Here’s how to offer support without crossing the line:

Use soft, supportive language. Instead of “You should really quit.” try “Would it help if I…?” or “Have you thought about…?”
Respect their timeline. Even if you’re eager for them to quit, it’s more effective when the decision comes from them.
Keep the focus on their reasons. What do they want to gain by quitting? Better health? Saving money? Reinforcing their “Why” is more powerful than reminding them of the risks.
Offer practical help. Ask if they want you to help them research tools, be an accountability partner, or just be there during rough moments. Sometimes knowing you’re available is enough.

Think of your role as a calm, consistent presence — not a coach, not a critic. Just someone who cares.

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Proven strategies that work

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Encourage them to  make a quit plan

Help them think through what quitting might look like — when, how, and what kind of support they’d want.

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Celebrate the small wins

Point them to programs like QuitLine that offer free coaching and medications. Avoid scare tactics or lecturing, they don’t work and can actually do harm.

Be supportive if they slip

Nicotine is addictive, and slips might happen from time to time. Be supportive and judgment-free and remind them that they can still keep working toward a nicotine-free future.