I quit 12 days before a trip to Florida, because I wanted to make sure I felt no discomfort while on vacation. My worst time was during the first week. I felt distracted all the time. After that, no real problems. In fact, while I was in Florida, it seemed everyone smoked-they smoked around me-I went to bars that were smokey- and I did not once cave. I think I only had the desire to cave in, once, but didn't give in to it.

It has now been about 22 days. I still think of stopping at the store and buying a pack, but it is more like a passing thought. Occasionally, I will get a hard craving, but it's maybe once a day to two days and it only lasts about five minutes.

Do I feel different? Yes and no. I feel like a non-smoker. It seems so far in the past, now. I don't clear my throat as much, but my sinuses still get congested (I thought that was supposed to get better).

BTW. I went cold turkey. It's hand wringing, knuckle whitening, teeth clenching discomfort for the first two days, but well worth it. I can't imagine continuing the nicotine withdrawal by using a patch or gum. To me, it only seems to prolong the discomfort. Besides, once you get past those worst moments of your life, you more than certainly don't want to pick up another cigarette and anticipate going through it again.