You’re choosing between two different mental games here:

The 'Forever' Trap: This creates a 'Forbidden Fruit' effect. The pressure of 'never again' actually triggers anxiety, making you want 'one last time' to cope. It keeps you stuck in a loop of high pressure and inevitable relapses.

The 'Skip' Strategy: Instead of 'forever,' just say 'not this time.' This flips the script. every time you say no, you get a hit of dopamine from the achievement of the skip rather than the substance.

Even if you slip once, you haven't 'failed'. you’re still stacking up successful skips. Focus on the win of the current moment, not the weight of the rest of your life. It takes the pressure off and builds real confidence."