I don't smoke, but my boyfriend does. I really want to help him stop smoking — what can I do? – Abby* For you to help your boyfriend quit smoking, he has to want to quit. Because nicotine is addictive, quitting can be difficult. But you can suggest some things that may help him. Just knowing that he has your support can make him more likely to succeed. Offer to help your boyfriend devise a plan for quitting. This might mean choosing a stop date, encouraging him to speak to his doctor about a nicotine replacement, helping him to stay focused once he stops, and figuring out a good way to reward himself when he reaches different points. It can be helpful to have several smaller goals to work toward — such as 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months without smoking. You can also help your boyfriend by avoiding things that previously have triggered him to smoke — like visiting a certain friend's house. Remind him (without nagging or preaching) of the benefits of quitting, including all the money he'll be able to save. And remember that ultimately he has to decide whether he's ready to quit — but your support and encouragement can make a difference. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Smoking Smoking is on the decline, but some people are still lighting up. Why? The answer is addiction. Find out more in this article for teens. Read More Secondhand Smoke Experts now know that breathing in someone else's secondhand smoke is bad for you. Find out what you can do about it. Read More How Can I Quit Smoking? Nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States is related to tobacco. Are you ready to kick the habit? Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.