But even after a year of not smoking, there is still a risk of temptation. Roughly one-third of quitters who have gone a full year without smoking, return to it within 10 years, according to one study. You can prevent a relapse by watching out for signs that you might turn to cigarettes again and by responding the moment you experience a craving.
Experts have identified potential trigger moments that could cause a return to smoking. They include:
Being overconfident about your ability to stay quit, and thinking, ‘It’s just one cigarette.’
Being around people who are smoking.
Feeling unsocial and isolated from supportive friends or family.
Drinking (that uninhibited feeling alcohol can spark can lead to the choice to light up again).
Feeling unusually stressed (experts say this is a leading cause of a return to smoking).
Having feelings of anger, self-pity or entitlement.
Giving birth is a challenging time for new mothers and is known to cause smoking again.
Becoming frustrated over weight gain.
Frequently feeling tired and sleep-deprived.
Overworking and feeling you need a reward.
Letting your healthy routines lapse.
The emergence of negative, pessimistic attitudes that make you feel helpless.
Three tips to take back control
If your life has changed in ways that have you thinking about smoking again, consider these tips: