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Home > Healthy Living > Health Library > Quitting Smoking: Preventing Slips or Relapses
A slip is when a smoker who has quit smokes one or two cigarettes. A relapse is when a smoker who has quit returns to regular smoking. It is hard to quit smoking. The temptation can be very strong. Here you will find strategies to help you avoid slips as well as a relapse. You will also find tips for deciding how soon you will want to try again. This information also applies if you use smokeless tobacco products, such as chew or snuff.
Certain situations may tempt you to smoke. These are called triggers. Learn to recognize when you might slip, and plan ahead to cope with those situations. Think about when you slipped in the past. You may be more tempted to smoke when you:
Are there other situations that make you want to light up a cigarette?
Here are some things that may help:
Avoiding a slip is best. But if you do slip, it's important to respond to it carefully so you don't start smoking regularly again. Here are some ideas that may help you get back on track:
If you are taking medicine or using nicotine replacement, keep doing so unless you go back to regular smoking. It can help you get back on track.
Current as of: September 26, 2018
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineChristine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health
Current as of:
September 26, 2018
Medical Review:Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Christine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health
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