The fallback into smoking a quit attempt is simply referred to as smoking relapse. Most relapses occur within days or weeks after the initial cessation attempt. The appearance of relapse signifies that point prevalence quitting percentages are not the only outcome to be considered when determining the effect of a smoking cessation intervention, as only patients who remain smoke free truly benefit from their behavioral change.

Indicators of relapse after quitting have been analyzed by many studies. Several of these factors have been identified: a lower addiction level, an older age, fewer cigarettes smoked per day, male gender, fewer years smoked more previous quit attempts, higher self-efficacy and being married as protective indicators against smoking relapse. Studies show an increase in craving and depressed mood predict the occurrence of relapse. Additionally, studies concerning pharmacological treatment, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy and bupropion, have demonstrated a positive influence on relapse prevention.

Still, it is unclear whether gender influences the occurrence on relapse on smoking cessation. Although Borelli et al. (2001) found that female gender predicted higher relapse rates within three months after a quit attempt and weight gain predicted relapse for men only, many other studies have shown otherwise. Garvey and Bliss (1992) did not find any predictors of relapse in correlation with gender. Accordingly, more study is necessary to ascertain the probable relationship between smoking relapse and gender. The notion of relapse has been incorporated in a number of cognitive behavioral models. One of which is Marlatt and Gordon's relapse prevention model (1985) which focus entirely on the describing the indicators of relapse, stating that both overt factors - high-risk situations, coping skills, outcomes expectations and self-efficacies) and covert determinants - lifestyle factors, carvings and urges. Another model is the transtheoretical model (Prochaska et al., 1997), which states that both relapse and behavior change are in connection with the stages of change. An individual goes through different stages of intention to reach a behavioral change. When behavior is changed, the action stage is reached, for example smoking cessation. After behavioral change has been achieved, the individual can either maintain the change in behavior or fall back into the prior behavior (relapse).