Slips and Relapses

Remember - quitting takes persistence and having a slip is part of the process. Instead of viewing a slip as a failure, try to see it as a learning experience.  

• Identify what triggered the urge to smoke or vape. 
• Think about how you will handle it differently in the future – either by avoiding the trigger or coming up with new strategies for coping with cravings. 
• Remind yourself of your goals and reasons for quitting. 
• Treat yourself with compassion and try to stay positive.  
• Try, try again! 

Remember, a slip is a small bump in the road. It doesn’t take away from the progress you’ve made so far on your quit journey. Try to avoid “all-or-nothing" thinking. Instead of saying “I’ve had one cigarette, so I’ve ruined all my progress”, try reminding yourself “I stayed quit for a week before I slipped, I can do it again”.  

If you go back to regular smoking or vaping, try to go easy on yourself. Quitting is hard for a lot of people, and it can take several tries to quit for good. Cravings can show up when you least expect it, no matter how long it has been since you have quit. The key is to figure out the triggers that cause your cravings so that you’re prepared to handle them next time.

Acknowledging the bump on the journey – and that it was just that, a bump – as well as the simple truth that quitting is difficult can help provide a lot of relief when you’re being hard on yourself. Acknowledgement is the recognition that the relapse happened, but that it doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your ultimate goal of quitting long-term.

Be thoughtful about what caused your relapse and what you might do differently next time. Is there a particular trigger (a situation, place, or person) that made you want to smoke or vape? Is there another strategy you could use to avoid these triggers in the future?

When you’re ready to try again, set a new quit date and give yourself time to prepare. (Tip: visit your profile and click “I’ve relapsed” to set a new quit date.)  

Take a look at your list of reasons for quitting. Your “why” can help motivate you to try again.  

Let your loved ones know you are setting a new quit date and ask for support. Be specific with what they can do to help you deal with your triggers and stay on course. Visit our Community Forum to connect with others who have experienced similar situations

We’re here for you! If you need extra support or advice to stay on track, our Quit Coaches are always available by phone or live chat.