Handle Relapses While Trying to Quit Smoking

Author: Darren Warmuth

Writing about this topic, for me at least, is a double edged sword, so please allow me to clearly state my personal opinion on this very controversial matter before I go on:

If you are thinking about quitting smoking, do not make plans for, nor allow for any \'slips\', \'just ones\' or any \'accidents\' for that matter. The old saying goes - \'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail\' but I would also like to add to that the advice of \'If you plan for slips or accidents, you are more likely to have one as opposed to if you adamantly tell yourself that there will be no allowance for moments of weakness.\'

Nevertheless, it is prudent to be aware of the eventuality that slips do occur. So, when you have slipped up, chastise yourself until you feel completely guilty. You will automatically do it to yourself anyway. Here the support group becomes very important. Once you have raked yourself over the coals, contact your support group and let them know what has happened. They will help you rebuild your resolve.

Most importantly, be honest with yourself, especially if you have had more than one \'slip\'. Look at the problem straight in the eye; don\'t fool yourself that these occasional slips are fine and are just part of the normal quitting process because they aren\'t. A slip is a slip and has to be handled as one. Reprimand yourself for a moment\'s weakness that leads to hours, if not days, of guilt. Let it sink in deep enough so that it crops up when you feel tempted again.

But, change your strategy this time around. First prepare yourself with as much information as possible. Make a note of your strengths and weaknesses. Use your strengths to your advantage and learn to handle your weaknesses. You will find ample information on the net. Study it with a view to tackling your specific problems. If you go about it the right way, you will not only succeed in achieving your goal of quitting smoking, but you will do it in record time.

If continual slips are occurring, you are better off to realize what is happening and admit to yourself that you have failed this time. And that\'s okay, because it is better that you admit it, write this attempt off, and go back to finding the information and incentives you need to quit successfully than to relapse slowly back into oblivion. Better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to continue on smoking for the next twenty years.

Be strong, stay strong and be Free!

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