How to Deal with a Smoking Relapse After Quitting
A slip-up doesn’t mean you have to give up.
We’re all human and we all make mistakes. That’s why the first thing you should do when you experience a smoking relapse is to remember that it’s going to be okay. You aren’t a failure. You can still do this. One cigarette isn’t going to send you back into a 2-pack-a-day spiral unless you let it.
So, if you slip up and have a cigarette, just throw away your cigarettes, forgive yourself and continue with your quit. Getting right back on your NRT after a slip-up increases your chances of successfully quitting versus those who do not get back on when they slip up.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some people need a little more time to kick the habit than others. So plan on using Nicorette or NicoDerm CQ for the length of time indicated on the label. But if you need more time, that’s okay. Upon reviewing the published literature data on long term use of NRT products like Nicorette or NicoDerm CQ, the FDA has determined that it is okay to use nicotine replacement therapies for more than label directions if needed to quit upon talking to your healthcare provider.
Why did I relapse?
If you do have a relapse, it helps to take a step back and look at what happened – so you can avoid making the same mistake again. Was there an environmental trigger that made you want to smoke? A tough day at work? Not sure? Use our smoking relapse tool below to see if you can pinpoint what happened.
Where were you when you lit up?
Who were you with?
What were you feeling when you
decided to smoke? Stress? Anger? Sadness?
What time of day was it?
How did you get the cigarette? Did you buy a pack? Bum one from someone else?
Were you with other people who were smoking?
How many cigarettes did you smoke?
