Quitting smoking: Preventing slips or relapses
Introduction
It is hard to quit smoking. The temptation can be very strong. Here you will find strategies to avoid slip-ups as well as a full-blown relapse. This information also applies if you use spit tobacco products, such as chew or snuff.
Key points
- Most slips happen during the first week after a person quits smoking. A slip does not mean that you will start smoking regularly again (relapse).
- Avoiding a slip-up is best. But if you do slip, it’s important to respond to it carefully so you don't relapse.
- If you do relapse, think about what you can learn from it and what you should do the next time you quit.
- If you slip or relapse, think about using medicines or some kind of nicotine replacement. You might also find it helpful to take part in a quit-smoking program or to talk to a counselor trained to help people quit smoking.
- People who relapse after 6 weeks of not smoking usually don't do it because of nicotine withdrawal. Instead, they relapse because they find themselves in situations that make them want a cigarette. Learn to recognize when you might slip or relapse, and plan ahead to cope with those situations.
What is a slip? What is a relapse?
Why is it important to deal with slips quickly?
How can you deal with and avoid slips and relapse?
Where to go from here
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: July 22, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry |
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