Once You Have Quit Smoking
Now, you are a non-smoker. Like any other habit, it takes time to become a part of you. Unlike most other habits, though, not smoking will take some conscious effort and practice. In this section we suggest ways to replace the habit of smoking with other actions and thoughts. There is information on what to do if you slip and smoke again.
Once you’re addicted to smoking you will always be addicted. When you stop, you are a recovering addict. However, the strength of the addiction will gradually decrease with time. As a result, many recent ex-smokers will find themselves lulled into a false sense of security. “Six months and not one puff, surely just one little cigarette wouldn’t hurt me now.” The truth is, one cigarette can undo months of careful planning and hard, sometimes painful work. Don’t let that happen to you.
Keep your guard up
The key to living as a nonsmoker is to avoid letting your urges or cravings for a cigarette lead you to smoke. Don't kid yourself; even though you have made a commitment not to smoke, you will sometimes be tempted. But instead of giving in to the urge, you can use it as a learning experience.
First, remind yourself that you have quit and you are a nonsmoker.
Then look closely at your urge to smoke and ask yourself:
The urge to smoke after you've quit often hits at predictable times. The trick is to anticipate those times and find ways to cope without smoking. Naturally, it won't be easy at first. In fact, you may continue to want a cigarette at times. But remember, even if you slip, it doesn't mean an end to the nonsmoking you. It does mean that you should try to identify what triggered your slip, strengthen your commitment to quitting, and try again.
Look at the following list of typical triggers. Do any of them ring a bell with you? These are the times when you are more likely to want to smoke.
If you are like many new nonsmokers, the most difficult place to resist the urge to smoke is the most familiar: home. The activities most closely associated with smoking urges are eating, partying, and drinking. And, not surprisingly, most urges occur when a smoker is present.