Click a link below to download the relevant PDF:

BARRIER

COPING STRATEGIES

Negative Mood

Take part in some sort of physical activity.
Try deep breathing or another form of relaxation.
Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
Keep a journal.

Being Around Other Smokers

Ask others not to smoke around you.
Establish “smoke-free” zones in your home and car.
Walk away from others if they are smoking.
Remind yourself that you are a non-smoker.

Time Pressures

Take part in a physical activity to reduce stress.

Cravings & Withdrawal

Find support through a cessation group, text or app.
Avoid situations that can trigger cravings.
Distract yourself to try and think of something else.
Some withdrawal can be eased with medication, talk with your doctor to find what works for you.  

Already Tried to Quit

Every quit is a learning experience, use the knowledge to prepare for the next quit.
Know it’s not a failure, a slip up does not mean it’s time to give up.  Thousands quit and you can too.
Talk with a cessation expert that can help find the right quit plan for you.

Remember, the urge to smoke and other withdrawal symptoms will only last a few weeks at most and the benefits will be well worth it!  Encourage patients to make their own list of benefits to remind them why they want to quit.  Quitting smoking has health benefits at any age, no matter how long or how much someone has smoked.

• You will be around longer to see children and grandchildren grow up.

• You will have more money that you can spend on other things.

• Your food will taste better.

• You will feel good about yourself and your accomplishment in quitting smoking.

• You will have more energy.

• You will be able to breathe easier.

• Your clothes, hair, home, and car will smell better.

• You won’t have any more yellow teeth or fingers.

• You won’t have inconvenient cigarette cravings.

• You will be less likely to develop heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, emphysema, and other smoking-related diseases!