I quit cold turkey, after being a pack a day smoker (or closer to 2 packs if I was at a party). If I was just sitting around I smoked every hour, like clockwork (which was really bad when I lost my job and all I did really was sit around the house and/or party). I really believe it's a mind over matter sort of thing, if you tell yourself you have the willpower to do it then you won't do it. I just made myself say no if someone offered me a cig, and eventually it was easy to say no. Although during that time I did chew an awful lot of gum, so I guess that was my "quitting crutch" lol. You can condition your body that way. Every time you want a cigarette, chew a piece of gum! You have to find what works for you. I don't really like the whole nicotine patch/gum idea because I feel like you're just replacing one nicotine fix with another.

It does suck if I go out to the bar or I'm hanging out with people and everyone goes for a smoke. I mostly smoked for the social aspect, so I felt really lonely when EVERYONE went and I was left sitting inside because I didn't smoke. But I feel SO much healthier than when I was a smoker, so I never regret quitting.