I can’t survive without my first smoke or vape

Last updated October 2025

Read time 2 minutes

The first cigarette or vape of the day can be the hardest one to give up.

But if you mix up your morning routine you can reduce the urge to have that first smoke or vape.

If you normally smoke or vape when you first wake up, try having a shower or eating breakfast instead.

It might feel strange at first, but after a few weeks it should start to feel normal.

Distracting yourself like this is a good strategy for any time you feel like a cigarette or vape.

To help with the cravings, try the 4Ds:

Delay acting on the craving for at least 5 minutes, the urge will pass.
Deep breathe, slowly and deeply.
Drink water, sip slowly and give yourself a break.
Do something else, to keep your hands busy like calling a friend or playing a game on your phone.

It can also help to:

Switch your morning drink. If you normally have coffee first thing, switch to tea, or hot lemon water.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about medication that may help you with nicotine withdrawals. If you smoke, nicotine replacement therapy or prescribed stop smoking medications can help with feelings of withdrawal. If you vape, it's best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist for what may be suitable for you.
Use Quitline! Quitline counsellors can help get you through those tricky moments. If you add Quitline to the above strategies, you'll have an ever better chance of quitting for good.

Once you’re aware of the habits, routines and emotions that trigger your smoking or vaping, you can start to develop ways of tackling them without cigarettes or vapes.

Contact Quitline

Speak directly with a trained quit specialist. Our counsellors are available to provide immediate support, personalised quit plans, and answer all your questions.

Get in contact with Quit