Quit Attempts: Confidence Builders or Breakers?

One of the hardest things to do for humans. Is quit something. Especially when that something involves an addictive substance like nicotine, caffeine, even opiates or cannabis. Now a new study shows that 6 out of 10 people who try to quit smoking fail. But after multiple attempts become successful. Why does it take so many attempts? "A survey by the American Lung Association found that 6 out of 10 former smokers "were not able to successfully quit on their first try and required multiple attempts to quit smoking for good." The idea, often repeated by those reaching out to help smokers, is that multiple quit attempts are "normal," and a "necessary" part of progressing to a successful result. The hope, expressed by the ALA, is that "each time you try, you learn a little more ... you become a little wiser about what to do and not do the next time." The ALA also, however, cautions that: "Unsuccessful attempts to quit can leave smokers feeling alienated and discouraged." http://www.news-republic.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&articleid=21670070

So don't get discouraged. Keep trying.