Outdoor social activities, particularly those at the bar, might be making you worry about staying smoke-free. We know that drinking alcohol can reduce your inhibitions and increase the likelihood of a smoking relapse. However, you don’t have to miss out! You can maintain a smoke-free lifestyle and still enjoy spending time with loved ones. Here are a few simple tips to help you:

1) Be honest and transparent. Inform those around you that you have quit smoking recently. Ask smokers not to offer you a cigarette and to refrain from smoking in your presence.

2) Distract yourself. If you feel the urge to smoke, change your surroundings. For instance, go to the bathroom.

3) Limit your alcohol intake. The more you drink, the more your inhibitions increase. Therefore, it’s recommended to drink slowly and switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

4) GO PREPARED.If you’re using Nicotine Replacement Therapy to remain smoke free, take it with you like you would when you go to work or elsewhere. When those cravings occur, this can help take off the edge.

5) TELL YOURSELF NO. You’re a non-smoker now. Remind yourself of why you don’t smoke. Write it down or have it on your phone as a reminder if you must.

The Ways to Stay Smoke-Free

Start with Yourself

1. Love how healthy you feel
2. Reward yourself for staying smoke-free
3. Remind yourself you’re a non-smoker
4. Remember your motivations
5. Keep count of every day you’ve been smoke-free

Your Surroundings

1. Find other stress-relieving activities.
2. Join the “I Quit Club” or other online communities.
3. Spend quality time with your family and friends.
4. Adopt new, smoke-free habits.
5. Socialize at smoke-free locations.

Stay Positive

Negative thoughts can decrease your confidence and hinder your progress. It’s important to stay vigilant against four typical scenarios that make you susceptible to negative thinking.

• Dealing with a crisis. Smoking won’t help. They won’t solve your problems or make you feel better. In fact, cigarettes only make things worse. If anything, you’ll feel even worse after smoking.
• Self-doubt. When tired or stressed, it’s easy to think “I can’t do it.” When this occurs, remember that this mindset will only exacerbate things. Instead, concentrate on acknowledging the positive aspects of your situation.
• Challenge yourself to abstain from smoking. Do not view smoking a single cigarette as a test to determine if your addiction has ceased. You demonstrate that you are tobacco-free every day you refrain from smoking.
• Do not regard smoking as a solution to withdraw. Watch out for thoughts like, “If I feel moody without cigarettes, maybe smoking is better for me.” Remember that nicotine addiction caused these reactions, and they are only temporary. Quitting smoking will be one of the best things you can do for yourself.