It takes two to support partner to quit smoking

Dr. Michael Caldwell For the Poughkeepsie Journal

Question: How can I support my partner to quit smoking?

Answer: Your partner has taken the big step to make the break and quit smoking for good. Now what? Here are five things to know.

1. Learn as much as you can.  Let’s recognize that it has taken a lot of time to get there through the stages of change. From precontemplation (you are not even thinking about quitting), to contemplation (acknowledging there is a problem but not yet ready to make a change), to preparation (getting ready to change), to where you find yourself now, the action/maintenance stage (changing and maintaining the behavior over the long term).It’s not easy but, oh, is it worth it!

2. There are immediate and long-term health benefits of quitting. Within 20 minutes your heart rate and blood pressure start to recover; within 12 hours the carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal; in two to 12 weeks circulation improves and lung function increases; after one to nine months coughing and shortness of breath decrease; make it past one year and your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker; after five years the risk for stroke is reduced and you can celebrate 10 years smokefree by knowing that your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

3. The first week is usually the most challenging. Your partner will experience cravings for a cigarette, anxiety, anger and irritation. There may be headache, increased appetite, dizziness, constipation, stomach pain, fatigue and insomnia. Many smokers may begin to develop tightness in the chest, begin to cough and see an increase in mucus because their lungs are beginning to heal. Once you get through the first five weeks, you have made it through the most difficult time and the intense cravings, emotional roller coaster and the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal should be mostly dissipated.

4. Try to stop yourself from lecturing, nagging or scolding. It will work against both of you. This means not asking them if they smoked today; not to get upset and not to count the number of cigarettes if they did slip. Try to be extra understanding and patient when they are irritable and don’t tell them how much more they seem to be eating as a result of their withdrawal from nicotine.

5. It’s easy to get frustrated and exhausted when you are supporting someone who is quitting.  Nicotine withdrawal can make someone very moody and irritable. It is not always easy to stay positive. Try not to take their moods personally. Don’t tell them it would be easier if they would just go back to smoking. Don’t give up on them. Your support is important and your mental health is important, too.  Remember, you will be going through this together. Try your best to prepare yourself mentally and physically for a few challenging weeks. Getting through one month without a cigarette is a big accomplishment. Take time to celebrate with something healthy and rewarding!

Dr. Michael Caldwell is the former Dutchess County Commissioner of Health. Send comments to healthchief@yahoo.com; Twitter: @healthchief

This article was originally published by the Poughkeepsie Journal on February 24, 2017. To read the original article, click here: https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/life/2017/02/24/smoking-cigarettes-tobacco-support-health/98275742/