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 of quitting, including a fits 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