Why is it important to have a support system to quit smoking?

Why is it important to have a support system to quit smoking?

Linda Hyder Ferry (Associate Professor, Preventive Medicine and Family Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine) gives expert video advice on: How can I tell if I'm ready to quit smoking?; Is there a bad time to quit smoking?; What steps do I need to take before I stop smoking? and more...

In any recovery plan for addiction, whether it's Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, no one says, "Oh, here's a nice little brochure of the ten steps. Do it by yourself, and you don't even need to tell anyone about it." We know that changing behavior, especially changing addictive behavior, requires a connection, often with a friend, a sponsor, a community, the people who have been affected by your addition before, and a health professional. If you are someone who has tried to quit smoking and had difficulty on your own, I would really encourage you to say, "Who have I not included before in my plan, who holds me accountable?" It's really the accountability of others that makes you stick to a plan that otherwise might be difficult.