How to avoid smoking triggers on Bonfire Night

Published at 02 November, 2020 08:00.

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Even though Bonfire night might not go ahead as we would normally expect, there will still be triggers associated with the night that could make you crave a cigarette.

Events like these are ones that will fall into your routine and could lead to you wanting a cigarette even more. You may have been a smoker last year for bonfire night so there will be reminders of the times you were smoking.

Always keep in mind how you would normally react to a craving, do you leave the place you’re in? Do you change what you’re drinking? What you’re eating? 

We have come up with some tips to help you get through this bonfire night:

  • Keep your hands busy so you’re not tempted to reach for a cigarette, this could be rubbing your hands together to stay warm
  • Get moving, don’t just stay in the same position the whole night, move around
  • Use your nicotine-replacement therapy, if you have this
  • Speak to your family and friends, tell them you have quit and they will support you with this
  • Be prepared in advance with your support system

It can be tempting to avoid situations like this as you aren’t sure of how you will react, but it’s better to experience this and work through it. You may be surprised at how you respond to being around smoke. 

Don't isolate yourself away from your friends and family 

There are many ways we can help:

Quit online - https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/pages/quit-online

Our online quit tool will allow you to create your own personal profile and will support you on a daily basis through your quit journey.

Telephone support - our advisors are on hand to answer any questions or provide additional support as you need it. You can call 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166.

Visit our frequently asked questions section to find out more: https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/frequently-asked-questions