Have you slipped? Don't give up!

[OxfordComa]

I responded to a blog about this topic and felt that I needed to flesh this out in a blog.

There is a lot of back and forth about quit dates in the blogging community here. This post is for those who have slipped up, regardless of where they stand on the quit-date issue.

If you have slipped, you don't have to start smoking again. Ignore the quit-date debate, because this isn't about that. This is about *you* and we have resources that you can use to help you get back on the wagon. 

We EXers are using a community service that is hosted by Legacy, who is working in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic (who sets the standard for peer reviewed interventions in tobacco cessation). If you have slipped, following the advice and resources specifically linked from www.becomeanex.org is following sound, and scientifically backed advice. You are welcome to use any resource that helps you, but this website has solid, well researched advice.

You can find this advice by typing in "www.becomeanex.org" into the URL bar.

If you're logged in, it will take you directly to your quit plan. Once there, it will show you your quit date on the right side of the screen. Right under your quit date is a burgandy button that says "I've slipped up". 

This will bring you to a page that has the following text:

"So you've slipped up. Don't worry. It happens to the best of us. The important thing is to not use it as an excuse to give up quitting completely. You've already done a ton of work, and this is just a small setback.

Here are some steps to get you back on track:

  
• If you think it was a one-time bump in the road, keep plugging away. Review your "My Quit Plan Info" checklist to remind yourself how to beat your triggers.
  
• Make sure you have the right kind of medication (some are better than others for dealing with sudden urges to smoke).
  
• Get support! Reach out to the EX Community - they know exactly what you're going through. Also, let your friends and family know you need their help now more than ever.
  
• Remind yourself of your reasons to quit. And check out the "Advice and Support" section again to see how to stay on track.

If you've started smoking again and need more time to prepare to quit, just reset your quit date.

Don't beat yourself up. And most importantly, don't give up. You can do this."

Best of luck! I hope you find the way that works for you. 

If you ever need to talk, I'm around. Just send me a PM. 

-Kirstin

[constanceclum]

I am so happy you posted this. I think someone posting a nasty blog to people that made nasty comments to someone else is totally nonproductive for anyone.

[MarilynH]

Thank you. ☺

Marilyn ☺ 

[Breakinchains]

And if you let people smoke and say that's ok, they'll still be smoking 5 years from now. 

[OxfordComa]

I can't let or not let people smoke. It's their choice. I can only be here to say support them in making the choice that's right for them. I"m not saying it's okay, I'm saying I understand. 

Breakinthechains, I'm not arguing about this. I'm sharing the resource that the website we use recommends for people dealing with slip-ups. The intervention method recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

[OxfordComa]

And the purpose of this post isn't to weigh in on the debate, although I'm sure you know how I feel about it, but to share peer reviewed resources with people who have slipped. 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Let us not forget that there are people who have come here who have never tried to quit.

Hearing others excuses as to why they smoked doesn't necessarily support their journey.

I believe of of the doctrine here about people averaging 11 times before they succeed is actually BS.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I believe of of the doctrine here
was supposed to read
"I believe some of the doctrine here"

[OxfordComa]

Dale, of course I respect your experience, and I understand where you're coming from.

Just to reiterate, the above isn't just my advice, it is copy and pasted directly from becomeanex.org.

Personally, I can only speak from my experience with slipping this quit. I didn't tell anybody but the people on this website because I was so ashamed of myself and I just needed somebody to say "Forgive yourself. Move on. Stay quit." and instead I was berated publically and privately. If I hadn't had the help of my coworker, who is a professional health coach, to talk me down, I would have been in a very bad place. I don't want to put other people in that bad place, I just want them to know they have resources and they don't have to continue smoking, just like the rest of us.

The "tough-love" approach worked for some people, and that's significant! I'm so glad they have found a way that works for them. This way works, too. There is not a single way, and I think it's important for people to know that, thus why I'm sharing these resources. We are all here trying to stay quit and support others in the best way we can.

[TerrieQuit]

Terrie  39  DOF