Quitting takes practice! It can take several quit attempts to quit smoking or vaping for good. Nicotine in cigarettes and vapes is highly addictive, so it’s common to return to smoking one or more times throughout your quit journey.
Slip
A slip is when you have a couple of cigarettes or puffs of a vape while trying to quit.
Relapse
A relapse is returning to regular smoking or vaping.
What to Do if You Have a Slip
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 need extra help
- Call or live chat with our Quit Coaches for advice
- Visit the Community Forum to share your experiences with others who get it
- Consider using or adjusting your quit aids like nicotine gum or patches
What to Do if You Have a Relapse
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.
Strategies for Preventing Slips or Relapse
Review your coping strategies
Plan how you will avoid or cope with triggers to smoke or vape