Slips and Return to Smoking
In the process of becoming smoke-free, you will have a lot of success. However, no-one is perfect, and having small slips and return top smoking is normal. You can make it through them.
Don't give up!
- Remember that becoming smoke-free is a process and cannot be done in one day.
- Take it one day at a time and learn from your mistakes.
- Don't blame or punish yourself-this is about your health, not a moral issue. Make sure you have a good plan, lots of support from friends and family and the best tools for you.
Slips and return to smoking usually happen when smokers who are trying to quit:
- Drink alcohol
- Are with other smokers
- Feel stressed, upset, angry, discouraged, or just plain down
What is a Slip?
A slip happens when you have a cigarette or two. A slip is just a bump on the road and not a reason to return to full-time smoking.
Many ex-smokers feel bad if they slip-this is pretty normal. The problem comes when these feelings make you think your quit plan isn't working. If you do slip, don't panic! A slip or two does not mean you have failed. It only means that you're still in danger of starting to smoke again
What is Return to Smoking?
Return to smoking, or relapse, occurs when you begin smoking again all the time.
If you return to smoking, try not to feel upset or think that you've failed.
Remember the more times you try to quit, the more chance you have of being successful. Each quit attempt is a practice for the next one, and like other things that are hard, remaining smoke-free gets easier with practice.
