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Tips to Stay Quit (Programs and Techniques)

Congratulations!  You've quit and now you're working hard to stay quit. 

Nicotine Anonymous

Nicotine Anonymous is a non-profit, 12-step fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine. Visit the Nicotine Anonymous website.

Peer Support Message Board

The web has resources that offer discussion forums and groups. Within these forums, you can meet other people who are quitting smoking, trade tips, struggles, and give and receive support. Below are just a few websites that offer this feature:

QuitNet

Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program

Other tips that may help

Working Out

• Take a 10 minute walk, reminding yourself how much faster you can go now that you're smoke-free
• Go to About.com's Desktop Yoga and do some relaxing yoga exercises right at your desk
• Walk the stairs and keep track of how much easier it gets each day 
• Visit About.com's Office Fitness Clinic to find out how to stay fit at work
• Try this office workout to get your blood moving and put yourself in a good mood
• Take a deep breath, stand up and stretch your entire body

Also, many individuals put off quitting smoking because they are afraid of weight gain.  Exercise is a great way to avoid gaining weight while you quit!

Reward Yourself!

As time goes by, it's important to keep congratulating yourself for staying tobacco free! Rewarding yourself doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be something you'll really enjoy.  For example,

• Buy yourself a new CD, magazine, or book.
• Rent or go to a movie.
• Buy tickets to a concert of sporting event.
• Go out for dinner.
• Stay in bed late.
• Do something you really enjoy like a hobby, hiking, hanging out with friends.

Find Rewards in Places Other than a Pack of Cigarettes

If you tend to reward yourself with a cigarette for completing a task, find a new way to reward yourself.

• Take a walk.
• Listen to music.
• Call a friend.
• Buy something you've always wanted.

Help Others Help You

You've come so far, and you've probably not done it alone.  No doubt your close friends, family, and co-workers have helped you along the way.  There are ways to help them help you keep with it.  Be sure to thank your support group and remind them that you are not out of the woods.  Let them know that sometimes your cravings may come out in the form of frustration or a bad temper, and thank each person individually or throw a non-smoking party and invite them all!