QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. What if my teen doesn't want to stop smoking? How do I convince him or her to quit?
   To successfully quit smoking, your teen must have some desire or reason to quit. The ASCENT program will help motivate him or her to begin committing to the process. If your child does not want to quit, you can still help by encouraging him or her to try to quit. Openly discuss with your child the dangers of smoking and explain why you do not want the people you love to smoke. Keep the lines of communication open.

2. Should I put my teen on nicotine replacement therapy?
   Current research on the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy with adolescents is inconclusive. It is recommended that adolescents should attempt to quit smoking without substitute therapy first. If the teen continues to have difficulty quitting, talk to your physician about alternative strategies. It may be helpful, especially for older teens who have developed a fairly strong habit.

3. If my teen is hanging out with other kids who smoke, should I prevent him or her from being with them?
   Unfortunately, you cannot choose your child's friends. Get to know them. Talk with them. Invite them to hang out at your home, where they are not permitted to smoke. Your involvement in their lives is a positive strategy in assisting teens to quit.