Dealing with a slip

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Relapse is very common with quit attempts, after all nicotine is very addictive. Don’t be disheartened by having a cigarette, you are part of the 75% of quitters who relapse at some point in their journey. Stay positive and learn from your mistake, planning ahead to avoid it happening again. Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy, speaking to your pharmacist or GP and attending a local smoking cessation service can all help in your next attempt. 

Positive thinking

Quitting smoking a process, it won’t happen overnight and some days you may have stronger cravings than others. Over the course of your quit attempt you may feel like smoking or you may have a relapse. Up to 75% of quitters will suffer a relapse when quitting, whether it be during the first few hours, days or months. It takes most smokers THREE attempts before being able to quit successfully – just stay positive and be persistent.

Learn from your mistakes

Every attempt is a learning opportunity – use the practice to see what you found hardest and what made you crack and use that information to plan ahead for the next attempt.

Make a plan

The first few weeks of quitting is the most common time for a relapse – so putting a plan in place can help avoid triggers and get support around you. Thinking about how to avoid triggers such as other smokers, alcohol, stress or emotional events allows you to limit your exposure to these triggers while you are just starting off your journey