If you have tried to stop smoking in the past, but haven’t succeeded, don’t give up. In fact, part of the “success” of stopping is learning from previous attempts to stop. Each time you make a serious attempt to stop smoking, you are one step closer to the ultimate goal of being smoke-free.
One of the reasons that we use the words, “process” or “journey” is because it can take several times until you finally stop for good. Each time you try, you learn something new. Every time you fight the urge to smoke, you have created a thought in your mind. Pay close attention to what your thoughts and coping skills are, and rely on the ones that have worked in the past to get you through a craving.
Although we know of some common practices that people utilize to remain smoke-free, (such as staying away from other tobacco users, limiting alcohol use, reaching out for support) we also know that what works for one person may not work for someone else. Reach for the pieces of success that you have had in the past and put those skills to work again.
This time just might be the one that sticks!
