Staying quit during the holidays

Holidays are an exciting time of year, but it can also be overwhelming. Being more social during the holiday season is generally a given, and for someone trying to stay quit, it can be a challenging time.

In fact, being around friends or family who smoke or vape, and parties/nights out, are two very common triggers. So if you’ve recently stopped smoking or vaping, the upcoming parties or festivities can be a daunting prospect… if you don’t have the right tools to help you stay on the bandwagon. That’s where we come in! 

Although it can sometimes be challenging to resist smoking or vaping in a social setting, particularly if alcohol is involved, there are some things you can do to give yourself a fighting chance. 

Here are our top tips:

• Take something to keep your hands busy when you have a craving, like a watch, bracelet, a bottle of water or your phone.

• Excuse yourself and go to the bathroom if necessary. Removing yourself for a little while from the situation when a craving hits can help, as you’re taking yourself out of a risky situation and giving yourself a few minutes for the urge to pass.  

• Don’t be afraid to use phrases like “Please don’t offer me cigarettes / a vape, I’m quitting”, “No thanks, I don’t smoke / vape”.

• Give yourself permission to go home early if it’s getting too tough. 

• Be wary of the “just one” thought. It can lead to full-time smoking or vaping again, and people who don’t smoke or vape don’t need “just one” anyway. 

• Take small steps at first. Try meeting friends at venues such as the movies or a restaurant (it's good to know that wherever smoking is prohibited, so is vaping).

• Many people choose to limit the time they spend with friends who smoke or vape for the first few days or weeks of quitting.

Quitline can help

Quitline counsellors can offer you free advice and support to help you stop smoking and/or vaping. They will work with you to help you build and keep up your motivation, create a personalised plan that works for you, and provide guidance and encouragement along the way. Quitline counsellors can also support you if you are using vapes to stop smoking. 

There are many ways to get in touch with Quitline 13 7848, including webchat, Messenger and more:

Please note, this information is for general use only.  Please consult your health professional for further advice.  

If you would like to provide feedback, please contact quit@quit.org.au 

Last updated March 2024