How to Resist Temptations to Drink & Smoke

Smoking and drinking are two vices that many people attempt to quit repeatedly before achieving success. Unfortunately, alcohol and tobacco use can cause both physical and psychological addiction issues. To resist the temptation to smoke and drink, you must first have a desire to quit. Then you must replace your previous behaviors with new ones that do not involve the use of harmful substances. There are numerous methods that will stack the deck in your favor when it comes to resisting the temptations of alcohol and tobacco.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid parties, bars and nightclubs. The social mood at a party or club where the booze is flowing freely often makes it difficult for even the most strong-willed person to resist temptation, and the smoky atmosphere can also be an inducement to light up a cigarette of your own. Remove yourself from these situations, and avoid the triggers that tempt you to indulge.

• 2

  Practice daily meditation and relaxation techniques. Many people smoke and drink to relieve stress. By addressing any underlying anxiety issues you struggle with through meditation, it's possible that you will reduce or eliminate the desire to drink and smoke naturally.

• 3

  Change your routine. Frequently, smoking and drinking is a habitual action, and you may find yourself indulging strictly because it's what you usually do. Instead of pouring yourself a stiff one when you come in after work, change clothes and go for a jog. Immediately excuse yourself from the dinner table, and take a leisurely walk with the kids instead of lighting up your after-dinner cigar.

• 4

  Distance yourself from others who drink and smoke. Excuse yourself from the Saturday night poker game where the guys enjoy stogies and knock back a few beers. Ask friends not to smoke in your home or your car, and skip the stop at the local watering hole with your co-workers after a hard day.

• 5

  Enlist the assistance of a counselor who specializes in helping patients break the cycle of addiction. A competent counselor can provide you with specific cognitive and behavioral techniques to change your habits on a permanent basis.