I'm trying to quit smoking, but it's so hard to be around other smokers. What can I do?

Many people who quit smoking report that it's hard to be around friends and family members who still smoke. Being around the people you usually smoked with can trigger the urge to smoke. Try these tips to be around other smokers without lighting up.

• Ask others to help you in your quit attempt. Give them specific examples of things that are helpful (such as not smoking around you) and things that are not helpful (like asking you to buy cigarettes for them).
• Post a small "No Smoking" sign by your front door. Provide an outside area where smokers may go if they wish to smoke.
• If you are in a group and others light up, excuse yourself, and don't return until they have finished.
• Do not buy, carry, light, or hold cigarettes for others.
• Try not to get angry if family, friends, or coworkers hassle you about quitting.

For free one-on-one help with quitting, call the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Quitline at 1-877-448-7848.

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