Understanding your triggers

A trigger is a situation that makes you crave a smoke or a vape. If you know what your triggers are, this can help you prepare for them and cope with them.

Triggers vary from person to person. Some common triggers are being with friends who smoke, having an alcoholic drink or a coffee, stress or being bored. You might crave a smoke or vape after a meal or when stuck in traffic.

Emotions can also trigger cravings. Being angry at work, upset with your partner or frustrated by family can make you crave a smoke or vape. It's important to know that the nicotine in cigarettes and vapes can actually worsen feelings of stress. Quitting smoking can reduce your stress levels in the long term.

Working out your triggers can help you avoid them or deal with them. Making changes to your routine can help you limit your triggers. Find something or someone to distract you when triggered, or call Quitline for help and tips. Nicotine replacement therapy can also help reduce cravings.

Hang in there, you can beat the cravings!