What are tobacco slips and relapses?
A slip means that someone who has quit tobacco uses it again a time or two. A relapse means that a person who has quit returns to regular tobacco use. Most people quit and restart many times before they quit for good.
What can you do if you have a tobacco slip or relapse?
Most people who quit tobacco try many times before they succeed. So if you slip and use a little tobacco, don't give up. Talk to someone who has quit or to a counselor. Ask them for ideas on what to do. A slip could turn into regular use (relapse), so it's important to do something different soon.
A relapse is just a sign that you need to try a different approach. If you tried to quit without medicines or a program, think about trying them next time. Medicines and nicotine replacement (such as gum, patches, or lozenges) can greatly increase your chances of quitting for good. And using both medicines and counseling is even more effective.
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