Step 5: Maintain Success

Staying quit is the final and most important stage of the process. You can use the same methods to stay quit as you did to help you through withdrawal. If you feel the urge to use tobacco remember to:

• Review your reasons for quitting and think of all the benefits to your health, your finances and your family.
• Call the Tobacco Quit Line. Quit coaches are there to help you through the tough times.
• Remind yourself that there is no such thing as just one. One cigarette or plug of chew will almost always lead to more.
• Read other people's experiences online or write your own and encourage others to quit like you.

I’ve been through the quit process and I can relate to it. It’s rewarding to know I have an impact on people’s lives. Callers say, “Wow I didn’t think of that. That really helps!” and it’s nice to know I played a role in that. I just got off the phone with a guy who had been chewing and had successfully quit. He was so appreciative and just kept saying, “I couldn’t have done this without you!”