It is possible to quit and stay quit, but realize it may be challenging. Most people have attempted quitting several times before they successfully met their goal to remain smoke-free.
Withdrawal symptoms are temporary. Remember, most relapses take place within the first week after quitting. This is when the withdrawal symptoms are the strongest and your body is still dependent on nicotine. Situations such as stressful events also may trigger the urge to smoke, particularly within the first three months after quitting.
When your targeted quit date arrives, be sure to make it hard to smoke and easy to not smoke. Here are some ways to help guarantee success:
- Stay busy.
- Remind your family and friends that this is your quit date, and ask them to help you over the rough places.
- Take it one day at a time - and stay positive.
- Use relaxation techniques to help relieve the urge to smoke. For example, take a deep breath, hold it a second, and then release it very slowly.
- Exercise moderately to help relieve tensions and the urge to smoke.
- Do things that keep your hands busy.
- Keep oral substitutes - such as carrots, pickles, celery sticks, apples or sugarless gum - nearby.
- Stay away from alcoholic beverages to help control the urge to smoke while drinking.
