What to do if you relapse
Quitting smoking didn’t work, now what?
Two steps forward, one step back is a common pattern when you’re trying to replace unwanted habits with new positive ones. Having a small setback doesn’t mean you’re a smoker again. Most people try to quit smoking several times before they kick the habit for good, so don’t beat yourself up if you start smoking again. Turn the relapse into a rebound by learning from your mistakes. Identify the triggers or trouble spots you ran into and create a new and improved stop smoking plan.
• You’re not a failure if you slip up. It doesn't mean you can't quit for good.
• Don’t let a slip become a mudslide. Throw out the rest of the pack. It's important to get back on the non-smoking track now. Remember, your goal is no cigarettes - not even one puff.
• Look back at your quit log and feel good about the time you went without smoking.
• Find the trigger. Exactly what was it that made you smoke again? Decide how you will cope with that issue the next time it comes up.
• Learn from your experience. What has been most helpful? What didn’t work?
• Find a quit buddy. You can quit smoking together and gain strength from each other.
• Are you using a medicine to help you quit? Call your doctor if you start smoking again. Some medicines cannot be used if you are smoking at the same time.
Source: helpguide.org
Other links:
5 Top Quit Smoking Methods to Get the Best Quit Smoking Results
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
What is drug addiction treatment?
7 Days Stop Smoking Program
Addiction and Health
How Drugs Work
Dangers of Smoking
