Want to help a friend quit smoking?

Whatever you do, be supportive.

Even if the friend is not quite ready to quit, continue to provide support and understanding until he or she is ready.

When a smoker is ready to take the big step, he or she is most likely to be successful when family, friends and coworkers provide help and support.

Trying to quit smoking on one's own with no support system is a tough way to do it.

In fact, smokers who try to quit by themselves have a lower success rate that those who accept support from others.

Once a smoker has made up his mind to quit, you can provide support in several ways, such as helping him think of reasons for quitting and having him set a target "quit" date.

Encourage him to get all the help he can. For example, he can sign up for the Penn State Quit and Win Survivor Challenge at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/qw/ or call the 24-hour quit line at 1-877-724-1090 for assistance.

Quitting is different for each smoker, so ask your friend how you can be most helpful. This will show that you care and that you really want to help.

Maybe you've already tried to help a smoker and it didn't work -- that's OK.

Remember that you can be a big help, but that it's not your fault if the smoker doesn't make it.

Here are some tips about what to say and do for a friend during this tough time:

-- Tell your friend that you think he can make it this time, even if he has tried to quit before and failed. Most smokers actually have to "practice" quitting a few times before they quit for good.

-- For the first few days after the smoker quits, be ready to help. He may want to talk all the time, or he may just want extra support when a tough situation comes up, like a big test, a party or a crisis at home.

-- Offer to call or visit to check on how he is doing. Ask how he is feeling, whether or not he is still off cigarettes.

-- Don't nag, scold or preach -- these tactics just don't work. Instead, let him know how much you admire him for trying to quit. Tell him you will be there for him whether he quits or not.

-- Give lots of praise and offer rewards for getting through a day, week or month without smoking. And give rewards right away -- it works better than promising rewards in the future.

-- Suggest things you can do together, like eating in the nonsmoking section of a restaurant.

-- Try to see it from your friend's side. At times he may not really be sure that he even wants to quit. These feelings are normal, even among smokers who succeed in quitting. Let him know you understand his doubts.

As we all know, being a good friend isn't always easy.

Sometimes we have to be tough and help a friend get through challenging times.

If you have a friend who smokes, be a supportive friend and help him or her quit the habit.