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Smoking Relapses
Smoking Relapses
You've succeeded! You've quit smoking. You have now been smoke free for a while and you feel like you are on top of the world. This is when it hits you, a temptation so vicious that you cannot fight it, and you give in. Yes, you've slipped up and lit up. Sadly, this is not the worst of it; you not only slipped once, but felt so disgusted and frustrated with yourself that you had a full-fledged smoking relapse.
So what now?
A smoking relapse, while most certainly a setback, may very well be the event you need to solidify your conviction on the subject of quitting your addiction, and a temporary smoking relapse now may quite possibly save you from experiencing a permanent smoking relapse later on. In order to learn from your smoking relapse and move forward, consider these questions and suggestions of dealing with your smoking relapse.
Examine the time and location of your smoking relapse and learn from that experience all you can glean.
What prompted you to give in to temptation?
Why did you give in on that day rather than on any other day?
Perhaps the physical craving was suddenly too strong to resist, and perhaps this is the time to have a box of nicotine patches easily accessible in your desk at work, in your car, purse, or wherever the smoking relapse hit you.
When you relapsed, what problem did you feel your smoking would solve?
Consider what other options are available to you to deal with this issue if and when it comes up again in the future. This is a wonderful opportunity to fortify yourself with alternatives should this situation arise again.
Perhaps you gave in to temptation out of sheer boredom. So find an enjoyable hobby to fill spare time. Perhaps you could become involved with a volunteer organization that will allow you to fill your spare time on your schedule. Or perhaps some recreational classes, such as cooking or art, would fit the bill. The old adage that idle hands are the devil’s playground may hold more wisdom than we give grandma credit for!
Understand that a smoking relapse is just that: a temporary setback. Yes, you will probably have slipped into some old behavior patterns that are leading you back down that road to smoking, but just as you stopped these patterns once, so you will be able to do it again.
Seek positive reinforcement. Be open with friends and family about your smoking relapse and explain how you feel about it. The odds are good that they will not only spur you on, but perhaps will help you to overcome further tempting situations.
This may also be a good time to consider enrollment in a smoking cessation program so you'll have help at hand in the event that another smoking relapse threatens.
Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting. Perhaps you have lost focus of your intentions. Review the effects of smoking on your body, as well as on those around you. Evaluate your health as it is now, and strive to make that positive change a permanent one.
So you see, a smoking relapse does not have to be the end of the world. A smoking relapse does not mean that you are weak-willed, incapable of quitting the habit, or in any way inferior to any of the other ex-smokers out there. Many smokers slip up or relapse, but they also get right back onto the non-smoking wagon after they fall off. That's the secret.
It is not unusual to relapse and it is important that you not only learn from your experience but that you also forgive yourself for the mistake you made. Remember, you can quit and a smoking relapse is simply a temporary setback!
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