Cravings and triggers

Common smoking triggers

Smoking often becomes part of your daily routine without you even realising. It can be linked to your routines, emotions or particular situations.

Have a look at the list of common triggers below. Do any of these make you feel like smoking?

Routine triggers

I feel like smoking when I:

• drink coffee
• drive or walk somewhere
• wait for the bus, train or a ride
• take a break at work
• finish eating
• am on the phone
• watch TV or relax at home
• wake up in the morning or before going to bed

Emotional triggers

I feel like smoking when I am:

• bored or restless
• angry
• sad or low in mood
• excited or happy
• stressed or under pressure
• anxious, worried or nervous
• lonely
• frustrated

Situation triggers

I feel like smoking when:

• I am with other smokers at work, at home or in social settings
• I am offered a cigarette
• I drink alcohol
• I see other people smoke
• I smell cigarette smoke
• I am socialising with friends or family
• If any of these sound familiar, that’s okay. You are not alone, most smokers have triggers like these.

However, once you identify your own triggers, you can begin planning how to manage them.