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.
However, it is equally foolish to delude yourself that you cannot go wrong. So, when the slip does happen, chastise yourself until you feel completely guilty. Let the guilt go deep down so that it becomes a loud resisting voice when temptation strikes again. It is for this reason that support groups are recommended. They help you regain strength to overcome such hurdles.
Most importantly, be honest with yourself, especially if you have had more than one ’slip’. Look at the problem straight in the eye; don’t fool yourself that these occasional slips are fine and are just part of the normal quitting process because they aren’t. A slip is a slip and has to be handled as one. Reprimand yourself for a moment’s weakness that leads to hours, if not days, of guilt. Let it sink in deep enough so that it crops up when you feel tempted again.
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.
Admitting failure gives you strength to start again. If you slip too often, it is time to admit failure and start all over again. But, go slow the second time. Make a note of all that went wrong; try to collect information on how to deal with the specific problems and then start again. It is far better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to delude yourself that you are succeeding in your resolve to quit smoking barring the few aberrations.
It is much better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to continue smoking and that too with a guilty conscience. It will shatter your spirit completely.
Darren Warmuth
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