Decision to Permanently Stop Smoking - Touch Decision!
Congratulations!
Now you are ready to develop a new habitnot smoking. 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. This particular section
of the booklet can be a big help. You will find many techniques to use for
developing the nonsmoking habit and holding on to it.
By reading This particular section of the booklet carefully and reviewing it often,
you'll become more aware of the places and situations that prompt the desire
for a cigarette. You will also learn about many nonsmoking ways to deal
with the urge to smoke. These are called coping skills. Finally, you will
learn what to do in case you do slip and give in to the smoking urge.
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 yourselfalthough 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:
- Where was I when I got the urge?
- What was I doing at the time?
- Whom was I with?
- What was I thinking?
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 with themwithout 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. Does any of them ring a
bell with you? Check off those that might trigger and urge to smoke, and
add any others you can think of:
- Working under pressure
- Feeling blue
- Talking on the telephone
- Having a drink
- Watching television
- Driving your car
- Finishing a meal
- Playing cards
- Drinking coffee
- Watching someone else 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.
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