Coping with quitting and staying smoke- and vape-free

If at first you don't succeed ...

For some people, it may take several attempts to quit successfully. If you’re one of those people, don’t despair, keep at it.

These strategies may help you when you try again.

Dealing with withdrawal

Nicotine is a drug and when you stop smoking or vaping you will experience withdrawal symptoms. These are different for every person, but are not dangerous and usually decrease with time.

Read our tips for dealing with common withdrawal symptoms.

Dealing with cravings

Few people can quit without feeling the urge to smoke or vape. The first week can be the hardest as cravings can be frequent and intense.

Identifying your triggers – what makes you smoke or vape – can help you plan how to deal with them.

Try the 4 Ds when you have a craving:

• Delay acting on the urge to smoke or vape – after a few minutes the craving will decrease.
• Deep breathe – take 3 long slow breaths.
• Distract yourself – take your mind off smoking or vaping by
  • listening to music
  • exercising, such as going for a walk
  • chatting to a friend
  • using the My QuitBuddy app.
• Drink water – sip it slowly and savour the taste.

Returning to your quit plan

If you're finding it hard to resist the temptation to smoke or vape, it's a good idea to go back to your quit plan.

Remind yourself why you're doing this and use your strategies to deal with cravings and withdrawal.

Getting support

Having a good support network is a great way to increase your chances of quitting and staying smoke- and vape-free. You can get support through:

• your doctor or pharmacist
• family and friends
• Quitline
• a quit buddy or friend
• online communities such as iCanQuit
• emails and text messages
• using the My QuitBuddy app.

Overcoming setbacks

If you have a cigarette or vape

It's hard to quit smoking and vaping, especially if you've been doing it for a long time. If you slip up and have a smoke or e-cigarette, also known as a vape, don't be hard on yourself. It's not the end of the world and it doesn't mean you won't be able to quit.

Focus on your success, rather than your failure. For example, remind yourself how long you've gone without smoking or vaping.

If you start smoking or vaping again

Don't despair. Plan another date to quit as soon as possible. Most people who have quit smoking for good have made several serious attempts. It may take you a while to learn to be a non-smoker or a non-vaper.

Although you may be feeling disappointed, you should take pride in what you have achieved. Every day you spent smoke- or vape-free made your body healthier and helped to break your habit and weaken your addiction.