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  1. Challenges When Quitting
  2. Cravings & Triggers
  3. Alcohol & Smoking

Alcohol & Smoking

Drinking alcohol can make quitting smoking more difficult.

Photo of three women with their arms around one another as they lean in to take a selfie

For many people, alcohol is a trigger that makes them want to smoke. Knowing your triggers can help you stay on track with your quit plan.

Alcohol makes you more likely to do things without thinking them through. This can increase your chances of slipping and smoking a cigarette.

Drinking alcohol is often a social activity. Situations where alcohol is present may also include more smokers. Being around smokers can trigger the urge to smoke. Plan ahead for how you will deal with this trigger if you are around others who are smoking.

It’s a good idea to try to stay away from alcohol in the first few weeks of quitting. Even after the first few weeks, drinking alcohol can make sticking with your quit plan harder. Try to avoid binge drinking and drink moderately if you drink. That means having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. If you drink, think about doing so with others who will support you in your commitment to staying smokefree.

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