What are the relapse rates for ex smokers who have abstained for a decade? i read in some papers that it's very low, eg < 1%/year. i feel fearful that it may actually be higher. can you confirm this?

1st 10 years hardest: There aren't many studies on this but according to a good one "this risk (of relapse) decreases to less than 1% annually after 10 years of abstinence, ”says... Elizabeth a. Krall, ph.D see http://www.Eurekalert.Org/pub_releases/2002-02/cfta-srr022702.Php obviously many smokers relapse early on, but the longer they abstain the less likely they are to relapse.I've seen very few relapse after 10 yrs.

Recividism: Since you seem very concerned, you can do it. It is true that when studies are looked at, the best that we had was with the use of Chantix and the recidivism study was done at 2 years. There is no good study at 10 years, but all i know who stopped for 10 years have not smoked again, it means they were determined. Staying away from smokers helps to decrease the behavioral modification part.