Hi, Mama.
Don't tire of asking. That's the easiest way for you to learn. We don't get tired of hearing you (or anyone) ask.
I have no NRT experience, but here goes my take on it anyway. You already know all this, but sometimes hearing it in other words helps.
Craves are the result of lower than a normal nicotine level. The patch helps by providing a constant flow of nicotine, but at a lower level than what you had when you smoked. So you may experience some craves. Some people do, some people don't.
The idea between the different levels is that you will maintain a level until it becomes the new "normal" nicotine serum level in your blood. Then you step down, lowering the level again. You may experience more craves again. Repeat for all the levels.
The only way you can use an NRT and guarantee no craves is to use enough of it that you do not reduce the nicotine level in you. But that defeats the purpose because the only thing you've accomplished is changing the delivery system. You stay addicted.
So, yes, the patch is only taking the edge off. You still have to go through withdrawls. One person compared quitting to removing a bandage. Cold turkey ripped it off in one motion, NRT pulled it off slowly. Choose your misery. :)
Don't worry about thoughts and things. You're quitting, that's what counts. ;)
Shevie
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 395
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 7,919
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1501
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 73 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23
