Quitting is tough. Really tough. In addition to nicotine dependence, tobacco is often a deep-rooted habit that is difficult to break. To help someone you care about quit, it’s important to understand the many reasons they may struggle to quit.

Talking to someone about quitting can be tricky. What you think of as “helping” they may hear as nagging. Rather than giving advice, try asking questions: How ready are they to quit? What concerns do they have about quitting? What kind of help might they want?

It’s often hard for people to put their desire to quit into action. You can help by making your home tobacco-free and encouraging tobacco-free activities, like going to the movies, mall, or a restaurant. Provide healthy substitutes like fruits, snacks, gum or toothpicks.

Remember that it can take many attempts before a person quits for good. Mood swings, slips, and relapses are all normal. Do your best to be patient, yet persistent. Quitting tobacco and nicotine is possible, but it doesn’t happen overnight.