Quitting smoking is a very difficult undertaking. All smokers can not do it and in any case, seldom at the first attempt. Then a second test awaits ex-smokers: relapse. It is not inevitable and for this it is best to prepare and develop in advance the winning strategies.
What are the risk factors for relapse?
It is obvious that the input risk factors and retention in tobacco also play a role in one of the one or more relapses. Depression, other illnesses, emotions, anxiety, stress, grief, separation, job loss, use of other drugs, cannabis, alcohol, etc. Other life events can occur, but in the case of relapse, environmental factors play a major role.
The smoker's environment to review for better prevention
If a bereavement, the announcement of an illness
or job loss significantly increase the risk of relapse, the immediate environment of the ex-smoker must also be changed. It is important to anticipate multi-day situations that may encourage taking a cigarette. Some are common to the majority of smokers, others much more personal: evening with friends, cinema output, alone in the car, drink coffee after a meeting in times of stress, work or family problems, when conflicts, weight gain, etc.
Deconditioning
Avoidance strategies are put in place after spotting the most at-risk situations.
You will have to anticipate your reactions and learn to behave in a way other than that of a cigarette. This is what is called "deconditioning." Some people can do it only at certain times of their lives, others need a therapeutic, psychological, or even follow a cognitive behavioral therapy, which results in smoking cessation have already been demonstrated and is recommended by health authorities. Of course, nicotine substitutes are listed there too because they calm parallel physical dependence.