Setback?

If you slip up, it’s okay.

First of all, try not to feel discouraged. It’s very common to have a relapse when attempting to make a lifestyle change. Many people try several times before giving up cigarettes or vapes for good.

If you do slip up, try not to dwell on the negative. Be kind to yourself and use a positive mindset. Recall the progress you have made. Think about how much you’ve learned about the quitting process, and about yourself.

Here are 3 steps to get you back on track after a slip up.

Stop smoking or vaping immediately

• If you do relapse, stop smoking or vaping immediately and throw away any remaining cigarettes or vapes. You cannot change the past, but you can control the future.
• Remember that you have already proven that you can resist the cravings. 
• You were able to quit and deal with the cravings you experienced, even the strong ones right at the beginning.

Identify the trigger

Slips and relapse can happen for many reasons. Identify what triggered you to have a cigarette or vape. You may have:

• Forgotten your goals in a stressful situation.
• Forgotten to use your non-smoking/non-vaping alternatives. 
• Under-estimated a risky situation.
• Placed yourself in a high-risk situation before you were ready.

Adjust your plan

• Once you discover your trigger(s), consider what you could have done differently. Make a list of how you will cope with tempting situations in the future. Utilize all the new skills you’ve learned in coping and dealing with cravings.
• Consider using a nicotine replacement product to help with cravings that may come up in certain situations.
• Remember, you can—and will—succeed! Believing that you can do it makes a big difference!