Tips for Coping with Relapse

Coping with Relapse

• Stop smoking immediately.

• Get rid of the cigarettes you may have.

• Write down three reasons to quit.

• Recognize that you had a slip, and it is not the end of the world.

• Don’t be too hard on yourself. One slip doesn’t mean you are a failure. Work on getting back on track immediately. You success will be better on the next try.

• Identify the trigger. What prompted you to smoke? Work on other responses instead of smoking.

• How will you cope when this happens again?

• Make a contract with yourself to remain a nonsmoker.

Note: In addition to the use of nicotine replacement, a newer medication may be helpful to stop smoking. Bupropion (ZybanÒ) is used in the attempts to reduce problems during smoking cessation attempts. You may wish to discuss this with your physician.