Update on my friends efforts

So my last post was on June 8 when I realized that though many efforts have been made my friend was not ready or committed to quitting smoking.

I am now updating this blog to let everyone know of the status.

I am extremely sad and disappointed as well as I am sure many others especially her youngest daughter to report that my friend has decided she needs a few more months of self destruction and inhaling these known harmful cancer sticks.  She needs them apparently.

Our goal was to reduce harm and reduce intake of nicotine in small steps until she reached a low level of smoking and then get a patch or other assistance for the final cessation.  The reasoning was that all other factors: habitual behavior, social factors, psychological factors and physical factors would be at a minimum by her own ability to manage her addiction..then without question all would have been in place to ensure the ability to quit altogether. 

I have been very busy and have waited about a month but wanted to be sure others can know and understand our demise.  I have worked very hard to try to figure all that could help her stay motivated but the cigarettes have won. 

I am not sure what I can do to help any longer, I do not have a positive feeling regarding the possibility of her quitting.  If she was not able to stay motivated or even reach small goals during all these efforts and support I believe it will only be harder after a few more months or who knows how long.

Maybe meds from the doc will make it easier as she now is claiming she needs...and that is what will have to happen first ?  I hope so very much ...

I am now faced with the decision of how to respond.  This is a heavy burden because I feel VERY strongly not to be with others who choose to harm themselves intentionally.  I do not like or want to be around peole who smoke and definitely not while they smoke.  It is sad and scary for me not to mention absolutely disgusting and humiliating.

I do not want to see it, smell, be near it or even know about it... I WILL not be with my friend while she is smoking as I made very clear back in February 2010 at least not with out a plan and efforts to achieve the goal.

I will hope that one day other people, activities, things in life and LIFE will one day mean more to her and she will stop.  Hopefully it will not be too late!