If you use tobacco, there’s a chance your buddies or family members may use tobacco too. This means that if you want to quit, you may be surrounded by fellow users, including at home.

It’s hard enough to quit tobacco, but living with a fellow tobacco user who is not quitting can present extra challenges. First, ask them if they’ll quit with you. Quitting can be easier together. If they are not ready to quit, no sweat. Use these five tips to create a safe, effective quitting space for yourself:

• Keep a positive attitude. Although someone you live with may use tobacco, they can still help. Start by asking for their support on your quit journey and show them resources they can use to support you during your quit.
• Communicate early and often. It’s important to set expectations for yourself, your roommate, family or significant other. Explain to them why and how you plan to quit. Let them know that nicotine withdrawal can mess with your emotions, so you may lash out, but you will try your best to manage your mood and will apologize if some days get hard.
• Do non-tobacco related activities together. Even though you won’t be smoking or vaping together anymore, nothing else has changed. You can find new ways to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Get outside for a workout or start a new TV show together. But remember not to join them if they take a smoke break because it’s helpful to avoid triggers.
• Have each other’s backs. Ask them to keep all tobacco products out of the common areas and not to smoke inside. In return, see how you can make the living space more comfortable for them. Maybe your significant other is always nagging you to clean the dishes, so you offer to make that change in return for their help.
• Remember this is YOUR quit journey. Make sure they know you do not expect them to quit with you. As much as you may want them to, each person must decide to quit for themselves.

Talk to the people that you live with and let them know that you need their support. Even if they use tobacco, you can quit by making a plan and asking for their help. If they have questions on how they can support you, YouCanQuit2 Help Your Hero has the answers.