SLIP-UPS AND RELAPSE IN ATTEMPTS TO QUIT SMOKING

Abstract

This paper is concerned with documenting the contexts in which slip-ups in attempts to stop smoking occur, and of the consequences of the slip-up on the continuation of smoking cessation. A sample of people who had called a Quit Smoking telephone service for information was recontacted three months later. A total of initial 216 slip-up episodes was reported, 44 of which resulted in a resumption of abstinence and 172 which led to relapse. Slip-ups were found to occur in a broad range of contexts, and context was also related to outcome. Slip-ups when in a positive mood, when socializing and drinking alcohol were associated with higher levels of recovery of abstinence, as were those that occur..