When I finally quit smoking I had to go completely cold turkey. I tried the patch, some God awful tasting gum, chowing down on boxes of tooth picks, etc, etc, etc. In the end it came down to a simple determination to quit. I didn't quit for kids (don't have any), a girlfriend, a wife, my mom and dad, my teachers, or anyone else. I quit for me. And that's what your motivation needs to be. Yourself. Be self-centered this once and quit for you because quitting for other people doesn't work. So here's my advice take it for what it's worth, but I've been there.

1) Quit for yourself.

2) Don't set a date, just quit. Trust me it's not any easier setting a date. In fact it's worse because then you get to dread that date. Don't wait until your pack is gone. Slice open each smoke and dump it in the toilet and flush it. There, now it's gone. Congratulations! Your quit date is today!

3) Take 3 days off of work or make sure it coincides with a weekend. The first 3 days are the hardest. That's how long it takes the chemicals you are addicted to to get out of your body. Not 100% out, but out enough that you aren't craving so badly. And trust me cold turkey you don't want to be anywhere near work. Anything and everything will set you off. Don't risk getting set off at the wrong people. Meaning those who pay you.

4) Stock up on fresh fruits, juice, and plenty of water. The fruits because you're going to want to eat a lot. Trust me fruit is a much better choice than hot dogs and burritos.

The juice because one of the effects of cigarette smoke is that it actually causes your blood sugar to rise. Not sure how exactly that works, but drinking juice when you start getting light headed and/or a craving helps immensely to combat the craving.

Finally the water because you need to help in flushing the chemicals out. You should be drinking excessive amounts of water. Think in terms of about a gallon a day for the next week. Obviously don't try to drink it all at once, but space it out throughout the day

5) Take it one craving at a time. If you can stick it out for about 3 minutes you'll beat the craving. It might only be a 10 minute victory, or even 2 minutes but each time it gets easier.

6) You're never out of the woods. I've been quit 3 years and I still from time to time get cravings that almost make me want to cry.

7) Don't ever put another cigarette to your lips. You'll start again. The brain's receptors will go back to their addictive state as soon as you inhale. Again I don't know how it works I just know it does.

8) Finally I recommend prayer. To overcome your problem and for those around you have to deal with you while you're overcoming it.

Good luck, it's a hard but necessary choice.