Coping with setbacks

Quitting can be hard. You might be going along OK, and suddenly you feel like smoking again. Sometimes, as you gain confidence, you actually start to think quitting is easy, so why not smoke again? Your resolve starts to weaken.

Try This

Remember, every craving only lasts a few minutes. You can fight it off: with the 4Ds: Delay, Deep-breathe, Drink water, or Do something else.

Remind yourself of the times when you found the going really tough. Think about how much work you put into preparing and achieving your goal. Think of how far you have come. Do you really want to have to start all over again?

List your reasons for quitting on a card that you carry with you. Read the reasons whenever you feel the urge to smoke.

If You Have a Cigarette

Don't let one cigarette lead you back to full time smoking. Think of how long you have gone without a cigarette and say to yourself: "I'm determined to give up. After all, I have only slipped up once. In the past, I would have smoked 20 a day. I am determined to quit."

If You Go Back to Regular Smoking

Don't despair, and don't give up on your plan to quit.

Most people who have successfully quit smoking for good have made several serious attempts. Every day that you have spent smoke-free makes your body healthier and helps to break your habit and weaken your addiction. Remember, you took a long time to learn the habit of smoking, so it may take you a while to learn to be a non-smoker.

Try This

Use what you have learned from your quit attempt and plan another date to give up as soon as possible. If you have lost the urge to give up, go back to Why Quit. It may help to go through all the steps again if that helps you.

Remember, the Quitline is there for you. Call 131 848.