I have a friend at work that has recently quit smoking. Today was day three for him - he was bouncing off the walls.
I realize this was probably the worst day for him, but I’m not sure what I can do to help. I would go outside with him on his smoke breaks to talk, so I’m sure I’m probably a trigger by now… but I’m not sure.
Anyway, what can I do to help this work friend stick to his non-smoking goals? Tips from dopers who have quit? What did you look for in a friend at this point?
I quit smoking 210 days ago and it has been an experience, to say the least.
The thing that really helped me was finally realizing that smoking was an addiction! Not a very profound statement, but I finally realized that the 4 bucks per day was going to a tobacco company that couldn’t care less about me. All they wanted was to keep me addicted by manipulating the nicotine levels in my Marlboros.
Probably the best suggestion is to refer your friend to www.quitnet.com. That website literally saved my life.
Eric
For every time you find your friend smoking…Kill him.
The sooner your friend gets the nicotine out of their system, the better - the patch and other nicotine replacement therapy just tends to prolong the withdrawal symptoms, IMHO.
Drink lots of water - and hang out with non-smoking friends.
I completely disagree about the patch, it’s a godsend for people who find the physical withdrawal too difficult to bear. When I used it I had virtually no withdrawal symptoms.
Best advice I can give is don’t mention smoking to him. Don’t keep asking him “how’s the not smoking going” or anything like that. The less he’s reminded of the fact he’s trying to quit, the better.
He’s at the stage where he’ll walk up to me and say, “I need a cigarette!”
I just tell him he doesn’t. 
It’s like I’m external willpower!
bring him sugar snap peas and tell him he is doing a GREAT thing.
smoke free one plus month
Since he’s a guy, try to get the idea into his head that everytime he smokes it’ll be like giving a blow-job.
If he was a woman I’d suggest the same thing.