Do’s and don’ts for smoking slips

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Do try nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Nicotine cravings are strong, particularly in the first few weeks of a quit.

NRT helps take the edge off, and has been shown to double your chances of quitting smoking compared to willpower alone. Depending on your preference, these aids are available in different formats, such as nicotine patches, sprays, gum or lozenges.
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Do focus on the positive. Don’t dwell on the negative.

Don’t overreact. One cigarette won’t cause your quit to fail.

More likely it’ll be the feeling of guilt it caused; negative emotions are a proven risk factor in ending a quit. Stay strong, you’ve been smoke-free until now. Count the cigarettes you’ve already given up or the money you’ve already saved. Create a quit-smoking timeline and see how every day of your quit has made you healthier and weakened your habit — even if it‘s only the first week!
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Do keep moving forward. Don’t reset the clock to zero.

Just like one cupcake doesn’t mean a diet is over, you can choose success.

Tell yourself, “One cigarette does not make for failure. Yes, I slipped up. But the only thing I’m going back to becoming is an ex-smoker.”
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Do think like a scientist. Don’t react emotionally.

Time to learn more about yourself and what led to your slip-up to improve your chances of quitting smoking.

Ask yourself: What drove me to that cigarette? What could I have done differently? How can I prevent having a similar setback again?
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Do share your slip-up. Don’t keep it to yourself.

Let the support team you chose support you when you need it most.

Friends and family can share more time with you in person or on the phone. And if you follow a quitters’ blog, you’ll find plenty who’ve also slipped and will share how they’re still in the game. Your doctor or another smoking cessation advisor can share other ways to motivate you.