Resources

You’ve Quit! Congratulations! This is wonderful news. Many people have told us that they found the first few weeks the hardest. To help keep you on track, here are some tips on how to prevent a relapse.

• If you’re in your first 2 weeks of quitting, you might be experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Remember that withdrawal is a good sign; it means your body is healing. Remain positive, think about your reasons for quitting and know the feelings will soon pass.
• Refer to your list about things to do instead of smoking or how to deal with cravings.
• Be aware of your triggers and have a plan for how to deal with them.
• Be prepared to cope with stress, frustration and other negative feelings that might trigger an urge to smoke or vape.
• Avoid places or activities that remind you of smoking or vaping like going to parties, or drinking coffee.
• Throw away all your smoking and vaping paraphernalia like cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, rollers, pens, e-cigarettes, etc.
• Ask people around you to not smoke or vape in your presence.
• Spend time in non-smoking/non-vaping places.
• Keep busy especially on down times like evenings and weekends.
• Remember you are a nonsmoker or nonvaper now. Thinking of yourself as such will begin to make you feel more in control.
• Strengthen your commitment to staying quit. Review or rewrite your reasons for quitting.
• Look for additional support from a partner, friend, or a support line.
• Review the benefits of quitting.
• Be sure to reward yourself. It’s important to recognize and celebrate your success. You can try rewarding yourself each day, week, or each month that you have stayed away… or even when you need a special treat. We all need those from time to time, and you deserve it!

Remember, the Smokers’ Helpline is still available to support you, even after you’ve quit.