Reply #2: Hang in there

[Lowell]

It gets easier with time. I tried to quit about a hundred times. The first week is always pretty awful. This last time I used the patch. It killed the cravings, but I was still addicted to nicotine.

The longer I didn't smoke the less I was tempted while I used the patch. When it became time to taper off and quit using the patch I was again racked with the cravings, but I hadn't physically smoked in three months by then. It took some will power, but I just couldn't see myself starting again. Now its been a while and I've finally beat the habit, but still think about it now and then.

I avoided those activities that triggered the urge. I stayed out of watering holes, began drinking decaffinated coffee and took a lot of walks. I'm still working on it, but haven't fallen off the wagon this time. Good luck.