Relapse Happens

So, you made the big decision to quit, set your quit date, told your loved ones, and dumped your cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Things are going along great for a couple of days, weeks, or months. Then...you might relapse and begin to use tobacco again. Is your quit attempt a failure? Should you just give up? Should you quit quitting? No way. Don't quit anything—except tobacco!

People who are successful at quitting tobacco are the ones who keep trying until they stay quit smoking or chewing. If you do use tobacco after you've decided to quit, forgive yourself and quit again. For most people, quitting takes more than one try. Or even two. On average, it takes 8 to 11 quitting attempts to stay quit.

• Remember the reasons why you want to quit. Think of all the people who'll be proud of you. Maybe it's your kid brother or your daughter or your mom.
• If you've started using tobacco again, set a new quit date and try again. Don't throw in the towel—quitting takes practice.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if medications can help.
• Avoid other tobacco users, when possible.