What is Coping Strategy? Definition & Quitting Guide

Coping Strategy represents planned response to cravings and triggers, offering one pathway toward nicotine freedom. This approach provides alternative behaviors to nicotine use, providing a specific mechanism for overcoming nicotine dependence. Research has shown that having 3-5 coping strategies ready doubles success rates, giving you evidence-based information about what to expect if you choose this method.

When considering Coping Strategy as part of your quit strategy, it is important to understand both its strengths and limitations. all quitters need multiple practiced coping strategies, suggesting that individual factors matter in selecting a quit approach. There is no single "best" way to quit that works for everyone—successful cessation often involves trying multiple strategies, learning from each attempt, and finding the combination of methods that works for your unique situation. What matters most is not which method you choose, but that you make a serious quit attempt with proper support and resources.

Coping Strategy is relevant to your quit journey because provides alternative behaviors to nicotine use. all quitters need multiple practiced coping strategies. When planning your quit attempt, consider whether Coping Strategy matches your needs, preferences, and previous experiences with quitting. Remember that combining multiple approaches often works better than relying on a single method—for example, using both medication and behavioral counseling produces better outcomes than either alone.

• Coping Strategy is planned response to cravings and triggers
• having 3-5 coping strategies ready doubles success rates
• Works by: provides alternative behaviors to nicotine use
• all quitters need multiple practiced coping strategies
• Can be combined with other cessation strategies for better results

Using Coping Strategy as part of your quit strategy directly improves your health by helping you stop using tobacco and nicotine products. having 3-5 coping strategies ready doubles success rates, demonstrating that this approach helps many people successfully quit. The health benefits of cessation begin immediately and continue to accumulate over time—within minutes to hours, your body begins recovering from nicotine exposure, and within months to years, your risk for serious diseases decreases substantially.

• Consider if Coping Strategy matches your situation since all quitters need multiple practiced coping strategies
• Combine Coping Strategy with other evidence-based strategies for maximum success
• Set a specific quit date before implementing Coping Strategy
• Get support from quitlines, counselors, or support groups while using Coping Strategy
• Remember that having 3-5 coping strategies ready doubles success rates—your chances of success are significant