Smoking Cessation: Interpersonal level

The process of quitting smoking is not one that should be done completely alone.  This is a long process that has an effect on everyone in the persons’ life.  Quitting must start by asking yourself questions such as: how is smoking affecting my relationships? How will quitting affect my relationships? (Mermelstein, Cohen, Lichtenstein, & Baer, 1986).

Having a strong support system is key in the success of smoking cessation.  It is important that the support group models behavior that is appropriate for the person that is trying to quit smoking.  Modeling is a psychological way of learning.  People that are trying to quit smoking should surround themselves with non smokers because when they do not see the act of smoking going on around them they will be less likely to engage in the activity.  The people you surround yourself with are just as important to your success because you want to have people that will not add stress to your life.  Stress is one of the main reasons why people smoke and when you eliminate daily stressors in your life you will be less likely to have the urge to smoke.  Sometimes those daily stressors include individuals in your life.  

There are also group therapy sessions that have been created to help aid in the process of quitting.  Group therapy is beneficial because it provides mutual support and opportunity to learn behavior techniques from others that are going through