278 Unit 4 Understanding and Avoiding Hazardous Substances
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Skills for Resisting Tobacco
Resisting peer pressure to begin smoking can be challenging. Three sets
of skills—refusal, literacy, and critical thinking skills—can help you pre-
pare for and respond to situations that may involve tobacco use.
Refusal Skills. If you don’t want to smoke or want to quit smoking,
spend time with people who do not smoke. Make sure the people around
you know you don’t want to use tobacco or be around their secondhand
smoke. Firmly explain the reasons behind your decision. Stick to your deci-
sion and refuse to give in (Figure 9.15).
Skills for Health and Wellness
Quitting Smoking
•
Develop strategies for coping with nicotine cravings.
•
Develop strategies for refusing cigarette offers from
other people.
•
Remind yourself of the benefi ts of quitting, including a
longer life, more spending money, and increased stamina.
•
Reward yourself for quitting. Buy something with the
money you saved by not smoking.
•
If you slip up and have a cigarette, quickly renew your
focus on the goal of quitting. Do not let one lapse lead
to a return of the old behavior.
If you or someone you know wants to quit
smoking, the following strategies can help.
•
Set a “quit date” within the next month and
circle that date on the calendar. Make a strong
commitment to actually stop smoking on that date.
•
Tell friends and family members about your quit
date and ask them to support your efforts. Ask
people who smoke not to smoke around you.
•
Get rid of cigarettes and smoking accessories in
your environment.
While resisting peer pressure
may be diffi cult, you can
improve if you practice your
refusal skills. Imagine that
your best friend is offering
you a cigarette. How would
you turn down the offer?
Figure 9.15