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Health Information
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
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more information about this topic from either the Web or the world's best
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Not Smoking Is Habit Forming
Good for you! You
have made a commitment not to smoke, and by using this booklet,
you know what to do if you are tempted to forget that commitment.
It is difficult to stay a nonsmoker once you have had a cigarette,
so do everything possible to avoid it.
If you follow the advice in this booklet and use at least one
coping skill whenever you have an urge to smoke, you will have
quit for keeps!
Relapse: If You Do Smoke Again
If you slip and smoke,
don't be discouraged. Many former smokers tried to stop several
times before they finally succeeded. Here's what you should
do:
- Recognize that
you have had a slip. A slip means that you have had a small
setback and smoked a cigarette or two. But your first cigarette
did not make you a smoker to start with, and a small setback
does not make you a smoker again.
- Don't be too
hard on yourself. One slip doesn't mean you're a failure
or that you can't be a nonsmoker, but it is important to
get yourself back on the nonsmoking track immediately.
- Identify the
trigger: Exactly what was it that prompted you to smoke?
Be aware of the trigger and decide now how you will cope
with it when it comes up again.
- Know and Use
the Coping skills described above. People who know at least
one coping skill are more likely to remain nonsmokers than
those who do not know any.
- Sign a contract
with yourself to remain a nonsmoker.
- If you think
you need professional help, see your doctor. He or she can
provide extra motivation for you to stop smoking. Your doctor
may also prescribe nicotine gum or a nicotine patch as an
alternative source of nicotine while you break the habit
of smoking.
Marking Progress
- Each month,
on the anniversary of your quit date, plan a special celebration.
- Periodically,
write down new reasons you are glad you quit, and post these
reasons where you will be sure to see them.
- Make up a calendar
for the first 90 days. Cross off each day and indicate the
money you saved by not smoking.
- Set other, intermediate
target dates, and do something special with the money you
have saved.
  
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