6 months ago
What to do after a relapse?
The ultimate guide to mastering relapse - step by step guide to becoming a non-smoker
Smoxy
Science Team
Smoking is a dangerous habit that many people are addicted to. If you've just relapsed and started smoking again, you're not alone. However, it's important that you get back on track quickly to protect your health and well-being. There are several steps you can take to get back on the path to not smoking after a relapse. Here's a step-by-step guide to making another successful quit smoking attempt.
6 steps to becoming a non-smoker
Analysis: Try to figure out why you relapsed. Were there certain circumstances or thoughts that led you to start smoking?
Plan: Make a plan for how you will handle stressful situations in the future.
Seek support: Talk to friends, family members, or a therapist about your relapse. You can also participate in a support group for smokers.
Rewards: Reward yourself for each day you don't smoke and increase those rewards for each week without smoking.
Try alternative: Relaxation methods such as yoga, exercising, reading or listening to music.
New goal: Set a specific quit date within reach. This will help you prepare mentally for your smoking cessation.
Conclusion
Smoking relapse is not a reason to quit. By figuring out why you relapsed, making a plan, seeking support, and rewarding yourself, you can get back on the path to not smoking. It's important to stay positive and remember that setbacks are part of the learning process and that every day you don't smoke is a step in the right direction.
References
Addiction Relapse: Risk Factors, Coping & Treatment Options (american addiction center 2022)
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treat-drug-relapseRelapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/5 Ways to Prevent Relapse After Quitting Smoking (UT Southwestern Medical Center)
https://utswmed.org/cancer/support-services/resource-articles/ways-prevent-smoking-relapse-/Handling relapse in smoking cessation: strategies and recommendations
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-012-0864-z
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