Holding Yourself Accountable After You Quit Smoking

There are many reasons why accountability is important after you quit smoking. It is just too easy to convince ones’ self that having just one cigarette is okay. Almost every person that has quit smoking has probably had that exact thought go through their mind at some point. I am sure on occasion a person has even listened to that thought only to feel guilty after smoking that “one” cigarette.

Finding someone to help hold you accountable to not smoke is easy. You can pick a friend or family member that is fair and understanding as well as, firm. Choose someone that you feel comfortable talking too and trust. If you don’t have a friend or family member to help hold you accountable, you can join a support group or use the Internet and join a quit smoking forum.

The whole idea about having an accountability partner while you quit smoking adds a whole new line of defense to your quit smoking program. After you quit smoking you will be faced with cravings, of course the cravings will come and go but then, wham! Your hit with a craving to smoke that is so strong you’re not sure you can get through it. You’re even thinking about running down to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes to just smoke one.

Before you do that call your accountability partner, most likely, by the time you are done talking to them or even dialing their phone number the craving to smoke will have passed. Psychologically, you know that you have support out there and they will definitely help you through the situation. If you smoke a cigarette, not only do you have to be disappointed in yourself but you have to tell your friend, or whom ever, that you smoked. This can also be a deterrent when you are quitting smoking. At times your cravings to smoke are so strong your logic might be faulty. Use the support you have to get through another day of not smoking.

There is one last thing about accountability and quitting smoking. For it to work you have to be honest with yourself and your accountability partner. Openly communicate if you have slipped and had a cigarette. They can help you get back on track. Don’t feel guilty and don’t give up. Quitting smoking is easy, getting through the cravings to smoke is one of the challenges. Prepare yourself for the many challenges you will face. If you prepare yourself for the worst you may find it wasn’t that bad to quit smoking.