Dealing with Difficult Situations

Alcohol is the single biggest reason that people have slips or go back to regular smoking. 

• Avoid alcohol for the first few weeks of your quit. You will have a greater chance for success if you can avoid drinking until the withdrawal has passed and you feel more in control of your cravings
• If you decide to drink alcohol, try cutting down. Consider alternating alcohol with a non-alcoholic drink
• Plan an exit strategy. When drinking or attending big social events, be ready to leave if you are feeling under stress or feel a craving coming on

Being around other people who smoke can be  a major trigger nicotine cravings and is a common reason for slips.

• Ask your friends to support your quit. If you have friends who smoke, ask them not to offer you a cigarette, even if you ask for one. And ask that they do not smoke around you
• Take nicotine gum, lozenges or other NRT to an event where you know there will be other people smoking. This will help reduce the cravings
• Ask for backup. If you know you will be socializing with friends who smoke, enlist the help of a friend who does not smoke to ensure you do not cave to a craving
• If at all possible, avoid people who smoke. This is especially important at the beginning of your quit when you are still experiencing strong withdrawal and cravings