There’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your parent, sibling, child, or partner struggle so hard to achieve something but fail time and time again. 

Quitting smoking is one of the toughest challenges anyone can face.

If you’ve never been addicted to smoking, it can be confusing and frustrating when your loved one isn’t succeeding or doesn’t seem to be trying hard enough, and you may end up feeling angry with them.

But it’s important to remember that this is when they need you the most. 

As their support system, it’s your job to understand why quitting smoking is such a physically and mentally difficult journey for them. 

That way, you can stand by them and offer encouragement without adding to their frustration, right until the very end.

Nicotine addiction

Nicotine is highly addictive, making it incredibly hard for many longtime smokers to quit. It triggers the brain’s reward centres, creating a strong dependence.

 Over time, a smoker’s body becomes reliant on nicotine, needing more to feel “normal.” 

When they don’t get enough, cravings and agitation kick in, leading to uncomfortable and often irresistible withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms

To truly support your loved one through quitting, it’s important to understand what they’re going through. Here are some common withdrawal symptoms they might face:

  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue

These symptoms can be especially intense for smokers with a history of mental health issues.

A lesser-known symptom is boredom. Giving up smoking often leaves people feeling bored and lonely as they adapt to a life without cigarettes.

Triggers and cravings

Another factor that makes quitting smoking so difficult is the association of smoking with certain activities, places, and people, and these are called ‘triggers’.

Many smokers associate smoking with stress relief, socializing, or other enjoyable activities. These associations make it difficult to quit smoking as the smoker may feel that they are losing something important.

Physical challenges

Finally, quitting smoking can be difficult due to the physical challenges that come with the process. The body has become dependent on nicotine, and many smokers experience weight gain, insomnia, and negative changes in appetite, which can make it harder to quit and even harder to stay quit.

As a loved one of a smoker, it’s important to understand these challenges that come with quitting smoking. By being supportive and understanding, you can play a crucial role in helping your loved one become smokefree for good.