"Ex-Smokers’ Relapse Tied to Fatigue, Not Just Cravings or Confidence"

A new study reveals that fatigue, rather than cravings or confidence, is the primary factor influencing relapse among ex-smokers, highlighting the psychological toll of quitting smoking.

• The study published in Addiction identifies psychological cessation fatigue as the leading cause of relapse among ex-smokers, emphasizing the exhaustion from constant vigilance against smoking.
• Researchers found that the duration of abstinence from tobacco did not significantly impact the likelihood of relapse, reinforcing the role of fatigue in quitting efforts.
• The findings suggest that support systems should address psychology and mental fatigue, as many ex-smokers, including those in Australia and Canada, struggle with maintaining their non-smoking status.