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Struggles with quitting - those darn slips and relapses Cancel The title field is required!

1. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   05 Apr 2019

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   If there is one thing that so many of us know about is the struggle to quit and dealing with slips, relapses, and plain just giving up trying to quit for a long time. Quitting is hard. 
   
   My oldest son will be 24 on April 22. My first quit attempt was the day he was born. In those intervening 24 years i tried to quit a lot of times. Never made it more than a week, until 3 months ago. This time it was different. I knew this was my 'quit'. 3 months in but I am still worried about a slip or relapse. The truth of being an addict to smoking is knowing that I will always be only one smoke removed from being a pack-a-day guy again. Sigh. 
   
   So my point is how impressed I am at seeing so many of the members own up to slips or relapses and then get right back to working their quits. That I really do admire. That is determination. Keep doing it. Don't give up. I wish I had support like I found on this site 24 years ago when I was first trying to quit. 
   
   Not One Puff Ever!!!
   
   
   

   Last modified on 05 Apr 2019 17:48 by atp
2. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   06 Apr 2019

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   Yes, quitting is hard.  And kudos to everyone who slips and doesn't fall.  Don't lose whatever traction you have gained, as quitting will never get easier in the future.
   
   The secret to quitting is deciding to quit.  Willpower is difficult.  Decisions are easy.  Make the choice.  You won't regret it.
3. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   29 Apr 2019

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   Good morning everyone!
   
   We all know it takes willpower to quit but most challenging is maintaining it. I like how you, Atp never gave up trying to and look at where you are now almost 4 months!
   
   Having a slip now is common but don't give up- try a new way of dealing with the cause of your slip and don't focus on the slips.
   
   Asking yourself, "Was that worth it, what can I do differently next time?". Most relapses occur as a result of negative self-talk or you tell yourself something that gives you permission to return to the comfortable, old habit.
   
   When you are on the verge of slipping try this:
   
   -Do something- go for walk, the craving will go away.
   -Phone your buddy!
   -Review your reasons for quitting.
   -Remind yourself, "You're a Non-Smoker".
   
   ODAAT!
   
   -jenna c.