Let me start out by saying, I smoked for 47 years, anywhere from 2 to 4 packs a day.
I got off the patch on Christmas eve. It was a little premature, but I was admitted to the hospital (again). I stayed off it for about a week and a half. Then got some intense craves for a few days. I had some nicotine lozenges, in desperation I popped one in my mouth. It helped. I used them for a couple of days, then quit. I've been nicotine free now for about a week. The cravings are very low, but I still think about smoking right after all the strong triggers (after meals, driving, etc.) I guess about a half hour a day.
It would be impossible for me to quit cold turkey. The NRTs work, if you want them to work. It's easier, but it is still tough. They're not miracle cures.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 11/14/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 64
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,572
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $384
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 13 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 25 [B]Seconds:[/B] 5