Unfortunately many people who stop smoking and then relapse to smoking feel incredibly defeated. They’re so surprised and disappointed that they returned to smoking. However, it is rare that a person stops smoking for good on the first try. Most people stop several times before they are able to put a plan in place that will help them remain smoke-free. Preventing relapse doesn’t happen by accident, it takes a plan. Each past attempt to stop smoking can provide valuable lessons to develop a plan that will lead to a smoke free life. Putting together a plan that will work for you is as individual as every single smoker (or should I say ex-smoker). What works for one person may just not fit for another person. Hammer out a plan that works for YOU – follow through, and if you need to try again, learn from your experience to enhance your plan. Stay with it. Persistence pays off in the long run. If you are feeling the urge to smoke go to www.BecomeAnEX.org and click on the panic button. There are some helpful tips on how to fight the urge.
Dr. Richard D. Hurt is an internationally recognized expert on tobacco dependence. A native of Murray, Kentucky, he joined Mayo Clinic in 1976 and is now a Professor of Medicine at its College of Medicine. In 1988, he founded the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and since then its staff has treated over 33,000 patients for tobacco dependence. Send your questions directly to Dr. Hurt at AskTheExpert@becomeanex.org
