| Stage of change |
Smoking |
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Not Even Thinking About Quitting (Precontemplation)
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Don't want to quit or be bothered by people or messages that suggest the contrary; denial of problem; smoking is preferred.
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Thinking About Quitting Soon But Not Planning to Quit(Contemplation)
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New awareness of smoking as a problem; triggered (internal or external) to consider an alternative; recognition of thoughts, feelings, desires of wanting to quit; no plans made in that direction; starting to open self to idea of quitting but still feels conflicted, tense, anxious, uncertain about it.
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Planning to Quit (Preparation)
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Decision made to quit; starts taking private (and sometimes public) steps; might reduce number of cigarettes, limit amount of smoking, track how much/where smoke, explore how impacts self and others; starts talking about becoming smoke free with others; trying out new identity, gathering support, finding out where could get help; surprised to find, learn and hear from so many others who have quit.
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Taking Action to Stop Tobacco Use (Action)
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Taking both private and public steps toward quitting; stopping cold turkey, using nicotine replacement therapy, going to a group cessation class, taking medication to help ease cravings, and in general, using all tools available or relevant to person to quit; relies on innate strengths to quit' gets support from others, declares to others that you're no longer smoking, finds new places and things to do where smoking is not ingrained.
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Has Not Used Tobacco for an Extended Period of Time (Maintenance)
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Ongoing commitment to staying quit; positively deals with occasional "bumps" in the road that might lead back to smoking; solidifies identity as nonsmoker (private and public); continues to rely on innate strengths and skills, as well as outside support to stay smoke free.
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