Introduction

Support systems can be invaluable in overcoming any habit or addiction. In this article, we take a look at how three types of support systems - health services, friends and family, and focused support groups - can help you in stopping smoking. Quitting smoking is of high importance for those with an enlarged heart, as smoking arguably poses an even greater risk compared to a healthy individual.

Why is smoking dangerous for those with an enlarged heart? 

Firstly, let’s look at why having an enlarged heart - a condition called cardiomegaly, makes smoking potentially more harmful compared to a healthy individual.

• Increased blood pressure: smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure. This additional strain on the heart can worsen an already weakened or overworked enlarged heart, increasing the risk of heart failure
• Reduced oxygen supply: smoking reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood by introducing carbon monoxide, which binds to haemoglobin and reduces the oxygen available to the heart and other organs. An enlarged heart already struggles to pump effectively, so reduced oxygen makes it work even harder, worsening symptoms and health risks
• Damage to blood Vvessels: chemicals in cigarette smoke cause inflammation and damage to blood vessel walls, accelerating the buildup of fatty plaques (atherosclerosis). For someone with an enlarged heart, this further limits blood flow, raising the risk of heart attacks and arrhythmias
• Increased risk of blood clots: smoking increases the risk of blood clot formation, which can be dangerous for people with an enlarged heart as it raises the chances of clots moving to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke)
• Promotion of arrhythmias: smoking can worsen irregular heartbeats, which are common in people with enlarged hearts. Arrhythmias can strain the heart even further and lead to serious complications, including sudden cardiac arrest

For those with cardiomegaly, avoiding smoking can significantly reduce stress on the heart and lower the risk of serious complications, allowing for better management of the condition.^3,4  

What type of support systems can help an individual quit smoking? 

There are multiple support systems that can be relied upon during this time, and using a combination of them is likely to improve the outcome and longevity of quitting. 

Support from health services 

Behavioural therapy and counselling:

• Working with a counsellor or therapist trained in smoking cessation can help address psychological triggers and build coping strategies
• Support can be found through individual counselling, group therapy, and programs such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), that teaches skills to handle cravings and stress

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT):

• NRT options like patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers deliver controlled doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms and gradually reduce dependence
• These products are widely available over-the-counter and are usually combined with behavioural therapy for better outcomes

Prescription medications:

• Medications such as varenicline (chantix) and bupropion (zyban) can help to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• These are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider and are often paired with counselling for added support

Support from your friends and family

Reaching out to those around you for support and accountability in your journey can be crucial. Here are some ways they can help you:

• Providing positive encouragement as well as accountability:
  • Offering praise and encouragement for every milestone, big or small. Celebrating progress rather than focusing on setbacks
  • Reminding you of the health and financial benefits of quitting and how proud they are of your effort

• Being patient and understanding:
  • Quitting is challenging, and people may experience mood swings, irritability, and stress. If friends and family are aware of this, they can abstain from judgement and give you extended tolerance 
  • Reassurance that they are there for you, even if you relapse

• Helping you to avoid triggering situations:
  • If they are smokers themselves, they can avoid smoking around you, and try not to leave cigarettes, lighters, or ashtrays where you can see them
  • They can suggest activities that don’t involve smoking, like going for a walk, working out, or watching a movie together

• Being  actively involved:
  • They could offer to join you in healthy new routines, like cooking at home, going for daily walks, or exploring new hobbies
  • If you are using nicotine replacement therapy or other methods, they can help by checking in regularly and offering company to appointments, if needed

• Helping you cope with stress:
  • Stress is a common trigger for smoking, so offering healthy ways to manage stress can be a huge help. Planning fun or relaxing activities together, like a yoga class or a day trip, can help you destress
  • Having someone listen to your experience and offering a non-judgmental ear can be very reassuring

• Helping you prepare for cravings:
  • Reminding you to keep healthy snacks or distractions on hand for when cravings hit
  • Encouraging you to use techniques like deep breathing or quick walks to cope with cravings

• Respecting your boundaries:
  • If you don’t feel you need intensive support, they can be mindful of this and not interfere

Ultimately, creating a supportive environment makes a huge difference. Their belief in your success can empower you to quit smoking for good and be consistent.

In-person or online support groups: 

Support groups can be highly beneficial for people trying to quit smoking, as they offer a range of practical and emotional benefits:

• Shared experiences:
  • In a support group, people share stories, challenges, and successes. This shared experience reduces the feeling of isolation and helps individuals realise that they’re not alone in their struggle
  • Hearing other’s experiences can provide useful tips, new coping strategies, and motivation

• Accountability:
  • Being part of a group encourages accountability, as individuals may feel motivated to stick to their goals and share their progress with the group
  • Regular meetings and check-ins make it harder to slip back into smoking without someone noticing

• Emotional support:
  • The emotional ups and downs of quitting can be intense. Support groups offer a safe place to express feelings like frustration, anxiety, and cravings without judgment
  • Members can find reassurance, encouragement, and empathy from others who understand what they’re going through

• Encouragement and positive reinforcement:
  • Celebrating milestones with a group helps reinforce progress and builds confidence in one’s ability to quit
  • Group members often provide positive reinforcement for each small win, boosting your motivation to keep going

• Learning coping strategies:
  • Groups often discuss coping mechanisms for cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and stressful situations. Members share what works for them, broadening each person’s toolbox of strategies
  • Leaders or facilitators may introduce evidence-based techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or cognitive-behavioural strategies

• Reduced risk of relapse:
  • Support groups can lower the risk of relapse by providing ongoing support, even after the initial quitting period
  • If someone has a setback, the group can help them regroup, focus on their progress, and encourage them to keep trying

• Structure and routine:
  • Regular meetings add structure and routine, which can be helpful for staying focused on quitting goals
  • Knowing that a supportive group is meeting regularly offers a sense of stability and commitment to the journey

• Access to resources:
  • Many support groups, especially those facilitated by health organisations, offer educational materials and tools for quitting
  • Group leaders may connect members with professional resources like counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, or online tools
  • You can also download free addiction trackers and help apps to manage cravings and track progress 

• Opportunities for long-term friendships:
  • Quitting smoking is a long-term process, and individuals often form friendships in support groups. These connections can offer companionship and encouragement beyond the group setting
  • Having friends who also value staying smoke-free can strengthen long-term commitment to a healthier lifestyle^1,2

Focused support groups provide a unique mix of camaraderie, encouragement, and practical guidance that can make the quitting process feel more manageable and achievable. It might be daunting to go alone, but you may find it really useful in the long run. However, for some people, attending these groups inevitably brings the focus back to smoking, which is what they are trying to avoid, and so they find this less helpful. See what works best for you and your circumstances. 

Summary

By utilising as many support systems as you can, you increase your chances of quitting smoking and improving your health. Being reliant on support does not diminish your struggle or strength, if anything, it reflects your commitment to quitting. We hope this article has been helpful in showing you some ways you can find support and improve your health. 

Resources

• Kick It Stop Smoking (UK) 
• Freedom From Smoking (US) 
• quitSTART