[BigRedChief]

I use probably know I'm a former smoker of 13 years and worked as a Respiratory Therapist for 10 years. I use to teach classes on quiting smoking.

The most important thing is the "want to". Every individual is different. If you are quitting smoking because you cough up phlem and "need to" you will fail. It's just too damn hard. What works for one person doesn't work for another.

For me it was seeing myself as an addict. It altered my moods. Made me happy when I got my fix, made me irritable when I needed my fix etc etc. Just because society says its legal didn't mean it was okay with me. I don't like to be told what to do. The nictione was telling me what to do. Quit cold turkey first time. Had a craving for a cigarette 8 years later. Go figure.

The first 48 hours are the worst. Get by that and your odds increase 38% in being successful in the long term.

You can use the gum but try not to use it too much. Its a crutch that if you need it to walk okay but if not don't use it.

Quiting smooking is about changing your life habits more than weining yourself off of a drug. Try to drink a diet coke or something after meals. Drink water with meals. Do something and more importantly plan something for when you would normally smoke. After sex take a shower. Eat some peanuts when you are drinking a beer. Have a beer where theres no smoking. Instead of a smoke break take an internet break. Buy your new pony or the wife something instead of smoking.

But the bottom line is the "want to". You are either ready to quit or you are not.
PM me if you like.