Giving up smoking and drinking can be difficult, especially if they are connected in your life. According to the Addiction and Recovery Organization, you don't recover by simply stopping the bad behaviors. You instead construct a new life where those habits don't have a place and where new, healthier habits are the standard.
Step 1
Make a list of reasons why you want to quit smoking and drinking. The more specific you are, the higher your chances of success. List the short- and long-term effects of smoking and drinking, from headaches and dizziness to organ damage and cancer. According to The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, both smoking and drinking can also affect your finances, your relationships with others and even a pregnancy.
Step 2
List the places and situations that make you want to smoke and drink. Whether it's a fight with your spouse or a nerve-wrecking interview, understanding what triggers the need for a drink or a cigarette will help you take precautions so you know how to better react when those situations arise.
Step 3
Keep away from risky situations. According to the Addiction and Recovery Organization, four main situations can put you at risk for abusing alcohol and other addictive substances. These are described as HALT: hungry, angry, lonely and tired. By recognizing these emotions, you're then able to deal with them as they appear instead of hiding behind a drink or cigarette as a way of dealing with them.
Step 4
Come up with a series of new responses to the old situations. For example, if you tend to smoke when you're stressed, think of other things you can do in those times, such as going for a walk, taking a bath or getting a massage. Don't wait for stress to hit before you come up with options. Instead, make a list of things you can use as healthy alternatives, so you have a number of options to choose from.
Step 5
Stay away from places where alcohol and smoking are prevalent. Seek out smoke-free cafes and restaurants and stay away from bars unless you are sure you can resist the temptation to smoke or have a drink.
