The more you know about how to quit, the better your chances of success.1 

Quitting is a very personal experience, but you are not alone. There's no one way that works for everyone. A good way to start is to get as much information as you can, and decide on a plan that's right for you. For details on these Five Keys for Quitting, go to "You Can Quit Smoking: Five Keys for Quitting" 

Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations

For most people, quitting is not the biggest challenge; it's staying quit. The greatest risk for relapse is in the first three months after quitting, so be prepared to handle difficult situations and to recover if you slip.

  • Find new ways to handle stress or calm your nerves.
  • If you do slip, don't beat yourself up, and don't give up – learn from it.
  • Limit or monitor your use of triggers like coffee and alcohol.
  • Eat healthy foods and get some exercise to help manage your weight and mood.
  • Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting.
For more about staying tobacco-free:


Smokefree.gov: Staying Quit

Become an Ex: Staying Quit

Forever Free™ booklet series 

National Cancer Institute: Withdrawal Symptoms & Activities that Might Help

Become an Ex: Beat Your Smoking Triggers

Smokefree.gov: What To Do If You Slip 

 



1. Dunston A, August 2003. Kicking Butts in the Twenty-First Century: What modern science has learned about smoking cessation, New York: American Council on Science and Health, p.8.

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