Help patients recognize and learn to overcome events, internal states, or activities that increase the risk of relapse.

Provide basic information to patients about tobacco use and successful quitting. Make sure your patients understand that tobacco use is addictive.

• Any smoking (even a single puff) increases the likelihood of full relapse.
• Withdrawal symptoms include negative mood, urges to smoke, and difficulty concentrating.
• Withdrawal typically peaks within 1-3 weeks after quitting.

Ask your patients to learn ways to:

• Anticipate and avoid temptation.
• Recognize and reduce negative moods.
• Reduce stress, improve quality of life and produce pleasure.
• Cope with smoking/tobacco use urges (e.g., distracting attention).

Help your patients to recognize danger situations:

• Negative affect and stress.
• Being around other tobacco users.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Experiencing urges.
• Smoking cues and availability of cigarettes.