A study of nearly 2,000 former smokers across four countries reveals one question predicts relapse regardless of quit duration. Deakin University researchers in Australia asked participants, “To what extent are you tired of trying to stay quit?” Those reporting moderate fatigue had 64% higher relapse odds, while very tired participants faced 81% higher odds. The study, published in Addiction, tracked former smokers in Canada, the United States, England, and Australia over six years from 2016 to 2022. Mental exhaustion from staying cigarette-free predicted relapse with similar strength whether someone quit for months or years. Overall, 9.2% of participants relapsed during the two-year follow-up period. Among non-fatigued participants, only 6.8% relapsed, compared to 14.5% of moderately fatigued and 18.8% of highly fatigued former smokers. (Story URL)
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