Writing about this topic, for me at least, is a double edged sword, so please allow me to clearly state my personal opinion on this very controversial matter before I go on:
So, it's best to underplay the possibility of relapses. Don't allow for any 'slips', 'just ones' or any 'accidents' for that matter. You should plan for the positive steps rather than the slips, because, if you plan for slips or accidents, you are more likely to have one. It is more encouraging to tell yourself that there will be no allowance for moments of weakness.
Nevertheless, it is prudent to be aware of the eventuality that slips do occur. So, when you have slipped up, chastise yourself until you feel completely guilty. You will automatically do it to yourself anyway. Here the support group becomes very important. Once you have raked yourself over the coals, contact your support group and let them know what has happened. They will help you rebuild your resolve.
If by chance you have had more than one 'slip' or have repeated 'slips', it is time to be honest with yourself. I know that a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, but please don't send me any letters because I have probably spoken to more smokers and non-smokers about this subject than most people. My advice is this. Stop trying to fool yourself into thinking that these occasional slips are fine and are just part of the normal quitting process - they aren't!
If you are continually 'slipping' you are doing yourself more harm than good because the 'just ones' are eventually going to turn into what you used to smoke or more. Believe me, it happens every time.
Don't try to sweep the slips under the carpet. Look them straight in the eye. If you allow them to happen time and again, you will end up smoking more than you used to smoke This is the sad truth, like it or not.
Have the mental strength to be successful.
Darren Warmuth - 15995
So, it's best to underplay the possibility of relapses. Don't allow for any 'slips', 'just ones' or any 'accidents' for that matter. You should plan for the positive steps rather than the slips, because, if you plan for slips or accidents, you are more likely to have one. It is more encouraging to tell yourself that there will be no allowance for moments of weakness.
Nevertheless, it is prudent to be aware of the eventuality that slips do occur. So, when you have slipped up, chastise yourself until you feel completely guilty. You will automatically do it to yourself anyway. Here the support group becomes very important. Once you have raked yourself over the coals, contact your support group and let them know what has happened. They will help you rebuild your resolve.
If by chance you have had more than one 'slip' or have repeated 'slips', it is time to be honest with yourself. I know that a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, but please don't send me any letters because I have probably spoken to more smokers and non-smokers about this subject than most people. My advice is this. Stop trying to fool yourself into thinking that these occasional slips are fine and are just part of the normal quitting process - they aren't!
If you are continually 'slipping' you are doing yourself more harm than good because the 'just ones' are eventually going to turn into what you used to smoke or more. Believe me, it happens every time.
Don't try to sweep the slips under the carpet. Look them straight in the eye. If you allow them to happen time and again, you will end up smoking more than you used to smoke This is the sad truth, like it or not.
Have the mental strength to be successful.
Darren Warmuth - 15995
About the Author:
Do the various quit smoking pills work? - read some independent reviews of zyban, chantix, hypnosis etc. Also, click here to discover the quit smoking method Darren himself used.
