DO
- Put out your cigarette. Get rid of all cigarettes in your home, car, and at work.
- Look at your slip as a mistake, not a failure.
- Learn from this slip to prepare yourself for next time this trigger occurs.
- Get support from family, friends, and your VA primary care provider (PCP).
DON'T
- Beat yourself up about it - these feelings will just make you want to smoke more.
- Put off stopping smoking again until later. Trying to stop as soon as possible after a slip is easier than waiting until you're fully addicted to nicotine again.
- Tell yourself negative messages like:
"It's no use, I can't quit. I may as well give up because I smoked!"
"I smoked because I'm weak and don't have the willpower."
"I'm too old to quit smoking - it's too late for me anyway."
Stress management or swipe left
Slips or swipe right