How to Deal With Smoking Relapse?

You didn’t mean it to happen, but the moment simply got the better of you. For the last few days, weeks, or months, you had been rather proud of yourself for kicking such a nasty habit and abstaining. 

Deservedly proud, because quitting smoking is no mean feat. 

But then, an irresistible waft of smoke caught you off guard, and in an instant and without giving it any thought, you suddenly found yourself reaching for a cigarette. You didn’t allow yourself time to think about it because had you done so, you would have immediately arrived at a simple conclusion: This is a terrible idea.

Familiar Curse

There are hundreds of different scenarios that are stereotypical of a smoking relapse. The lovely glass of wine or the post-meal craving. Driving the car or drinking a coffee. The potential precursors to a smoking relapse are everywhere, fueled by stress, anxiety, or simply just a weak moment.

But we’ve got you. Through this short blog post, we are going to explain what to do if you relapse smoking. 

The good news is this isn’t the end of the world. Smoking relapse is almost inevitable with most smokers, so don’t beat yourself up too much. This was bound to happen at some point. 

The important thing is to get back on the non-smoking wagon and stay on it for good, so let’s take a look at how to do just that: what to do if you relapse smoking and how to avoid smoking relapse going forward.

Smoking Relapse: What to Do

Before addressing strategies and tips, we need to ensure your mind is in the right place. By that, we mean remaining positive.

Seriously, mistakes often happen in the early stages of quitting smoking. If you find yourself taking a puff or even experiencing a full smoking relapse, it doesn’t mean your efforts are in vain. Remember, the mission to quit smoking is under your command, and you can always start again!

You’re not tackling this challenge alone. Every year, a large percentage of smokers express a desire to quit. Throughout these twelve months, countless people attempt quitting using various methods like clinical treatments, counselling, nicotine replacements, and alternative approaches.

A minor setback might leave you feeling down, guilty, and even hopeless. However, these feelings shouldn’t deter your progress. Smoking relapse is a temporary setback only – it’s always possible to begin anew. So, confront any urges head-on by remembering the health advantages you’re fighting for, not just the momentary temptation of “just one more cigarette.” Get your head right, in other words.

With your mindset firmly adjusted and ready to get ‘back on the wagon’, we need to address what causes smoking relapse in the first place: those pesky smoking triggers. 

Avoid Triggers

Unexpected cravings can easily throw a spanner in your quitting works. Recognising, understanding, and avoiding these triggers is going to be a massive step in maintaining your progress. 

So, before resuming your mission to abstain, you must fully understand what they are. Some of the more common triggers include:

• Socialising with smokers, particularly in relaxed settings
• Drinking alcohol
• Overconfidence in your ability to resist cigarettes
• Isolation from supportive friends, family, or groups
• Lack of adequate rest
• Frequent stressful situations
• Feeling victimised, which can lead to anger and self-pity
• Adopting a negative outlook on life

By identifying and steering clear of smoking triggers, your chances of quitting for good improve tenfold, and while it may not be possible to avoid all triggers, preparing for them can improve your chances of staying smoke-free. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, as they say.

Stress is a particularly strong trigger, although it is quite manageable. Employing effective stress-relief methods can improve your efforts, while activities like exercising, taking leisurely walks, enjoying a warm bath, or meditating are also beneficial for relieving stress.

Support networks are incredibly important, especially when facing setbacks. Either way – with or without a reliable support network – you must remain optimistic and persistent rather than getting discouraged by failures.

Don’t Give Up!

Whether it’s your first or hundredth time facing a relapse, do not halt your efforts to quit smoking. Soldier on! Many people manage to avoid smoking relapse, while many still succeed only after several attempts. It helps to treat each incident as a lesson, gathering wisdom that can aid in your future efforts.

What to Do If You Relapse Smoking

Experiencing a smoking relapse doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your endeavour to quit smoking. But what to do if you relapse smoking in more actionable terms? Let’s take a look at a few ideas to help you regain control and prevent future slips.

Reconnect with Your Reasons for Quitting

Recall why you decided to quit smoking in the first place. Remembering the health benefits and personal motives can reignite your commitment.

Engage in Physical Activity

Exercise can distract you from cravings and reduce stress. Activities like running, yoga, or even a brisk walk can help clear your mind and strengthen your resolve.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can improve your awareness and control over cravings, helping you centre your focus away from smoking.

Reach Out for Support

Don’t hesitate to seek help from friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your struggles can make them easier to manage and remind you that you’re not alone.

Finally, a word about forward thinking. In addition to mental fortitude, you also need a proper plan. As noted, start by understanding your smoking triggers and actively working to avoid them. Get a plan in place to avoid triggers and remove yourself from temptation. 

How to Avoid Smoking Relapse – The NEAFS Way

Faced with the relentless urge to resume smoking? There is an alternative solution to negate the sheer despair of smoking cessation…

You could take advantage of a wonderful product that enables you to smoke without actually smoking.

NEAFS is a sophisticated, tea-based, non-smoking solution that mimics the experience of smoking but in a healthier, cleaner, and more affordable way. With NEAFS, you enjoy all the comforts of smoking, like the hand-to-mouth ritual and the nicotine, minus the tar, smoke, and smell that come with traditional cigarettes.

Make the Jump Today!

If you’re looking for an alternative to smoking that allows you to manage your cravings in a less harmful way, NEAFS could be your answer. Not only does our popular tea-based alternative replicate the act of smoking, but it also allows you to reduce your nicotine intake gradually with our range of nicotine and non-nicotine sticks. 

Interested in a healthier lifestyle without giving up the feeling of smoking? Try NEAFS and take a giant step towards becoming an ex-smoker. Check out our starter bundles and join others who’ve successfully transitioned away from traditional smoking with the help of NEAFS.