Staying quit during the holidays

Last updated May 2024

Read time 2 minutes

Holiday season is an exciting time of year, but 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, parties or festivities can be a daunting prospect if you don’t have the right tools to help you stay on track. 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 from the situation for a little while 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.

Need support now?

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