One of the most important ways to support a spouse who is trying to quit smoking is to remember that the smoker is in charge of the process. Nagging, pleading, controlling or shaming are not helpful and may only serve to make your spouse crave a cigarette even more. Ask your spouse how you can be most helpful to them, and respect the smoking cessation plan your husband or wife decides is best.
Practical Support
You can help eliminate the stress-related triggers that once urged your spouse to smoke by taking on some extra child-care responsibilities or household chores while your spouse gets used to life without cigarettes. Having a home that's free of tobacco odors may help discourage your spouse from lighting up. Friends and family members should be told that your home is now a smoke-free zone, and no smoking is allowed in or outside of your house.
Habit Support
Help your spouse develop new habits to replace smoking, such as going for a walk or playing a game of cards after dinner. Providing a selection of ready-to-eat, low-calorie snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables may tempt your spouse to reach for a healthy snack instead of a cigarette. Keeping a pitcher of chilled water with mint or cucumber slices in the refrigerator may help him get in the habit of drinking a glass of water when a tobacco craving hits. If candy, popcorn or cookies is what helps your spouse the most, make sure to keep those things on hand.
Emotional Support
Your spouse may become irritable while experiencing nicotine withdrawal for several weeks, and you should avoid taking it personally or partake in an argument that may trigger the desire for a cigarette. No matter how grumpy your spouse gets, he needs to know that you are proud of his efforts and that you have faith in his ability to become a nonsmoker.
Relapse Support
Most smokers must try to quit several times before they finally succeed, according to the American Cancer Society. If your spouse has a relapse, you can remind him that it's a common part of the quitting process and that you are encouraged that he was smoke-free for several days, weeks or months -- even hours. Speaking in an affirmative manner, such as "when you try again" instead of "if you try again" might help your spouse view relapsing as a temporary set back and not a permanent failure.
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