In the 18th and 19th posts in the string Quitting smoking: A Fate Worse than Death?, Ingrid and Dent reflected on how smokers are in such disbelief to when another person quits smoking and actually seems comfortable about it. Everyone here has the potential of really influencing others to quit. It is not by pestering, begging, pleading, lecturing or belittling other smokers. It is simply by setting the example that there is life after smoking. By not smoking and smiling every now and then it starts to make others aware that quitting is possible. This fact is a major revelation for some people who think that quitting is impossible.
Everyone who has spend time studying here should realize that they have a deeper understanding of nicotine addiction, its causes, its implications, and its treatment than most other people you know. Share your understanding whenever you are sought out for advice. And over time you will be sought out, if you just continue to set the example.
When people ask you how you did it--tell them. When they ask you if you smoke occasionally or have ever had "just one," explain to them that the only reason that you are still an ex-smoker is now you understand there is no such thing as "just one." This is not preaching or an unsolicited response--they asked you the question. Just know by the simple fact that they asked that question they don't understand the nicotine addiction. Teach them what you know--that there is no such thing as "one" and that once they accept that fact--they can quit smoking and be armed with the ammunition to stay off. Help them understand that a successful and eventually comfortable smoke free life is no more magical or mystical than knowing now to never take another puff!
Joel