What If I Relapse When Trying To Quit Smoking?
Darren Warmuth
Though it is wise to be prepared for all kinds of difficulties, it is equally important to have a positive attitude to keep up your spirits and strengthen your resolve to quit smoking. As the old adage goes 'Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.' You should be aware of the pitfalls but don't wait for them. Cross the bridge when you come to it. So, in a sense, talking about the possibility of relapses while trying to quit smoking is almost inviting them.
So, it's best to underplay the possibility of relapses. Don't allow for any 'slips', 'just ones' or any 'accidents' for that matter. You should plan for the positive steps rather than the slips, because, if you plan for slips or accidents, you are more likely to have one. It is more encouraging to tell yourself that there will be no allowance for moments of weakness.
Having said that, it does happen, so here is what I recommend you do. Chastise yourself until you feel completely guilty. Realistically I don't have to tell you this part because you will automatically do it to yourself anyway. Then once you have raked yourself over the coals, contact your support group (you do have a support group, don't you?) and let them know what has happened. Use their strength to rebuild your resolve.
Most importantly, be honest with yourself, especially if you have had more than one 'slip'. Look at the problem straight in the eye; don't fool yourself that these occasional slips are fine and are just part of the normal quitting process because they aren't. A slip is a slip and has to be handled as one. Reprimand yourself for a moment's weakness that leads to hours, if not days, of guilt. Let it sink in deep enough so that it crops up when you feel tempted again.
You have to be continuously vigilant for these slips otherwise you will eventually start smoking as much as you used to smoke, if not more. Whether you like to believe it or not, this happens every time.
If continual slips are occurring, you are better off to realize what is happening and admit to yourself that you have failed this time. And that's okay, because it is better that you admit it, write this attempt off, and go back to finding the information and incentives you need to quit successfully than to relapse slowly back into oblivion. Better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to continue on smoking for the next twenty years.
It is much better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to continue smoking and that too with a guilty conscience. It will shatter your spirit completely.
Darren Warmuth
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