My best mate gave it up without the usual aids available about 12yrs ago. He was early 30s at the time, so a 20yr smoker.
The original reason was a health scare - he could have died that day - but after the first couple of weeks, even though he still craved them, it was the sight of his "fag money" (a clear jar that his missus put the cash she used to spend on his tabacco and rizlas) growing, and that money was his for whenever he wanted treats, which for him was enough to keep off them. I think he knows, as well as I do, that if he lit up another, he'd be hooked again. Stress issues aside, I'm delighted to say he is as fit and well as I've ever known him, though he is on the rat poison for life now.
Bloke in the office gave up a few weeks ago, completely cold turkey. He has all the electronic fags, but decided not to use them. He's doing really well, and gets pleasure from buying the kids DVDs, or taking his lad to see the Arse play at the Emirates, things he was unable to afford before.
My eldest bro, he'll go for years without, then get suckered in for a few months, realise what a mugs game it is, and just stop. Just like that. I can see why smokers envy him.
My mum, bless her, was always against smoking. Ironic, really, as she worked in Sales at Rothmans

. She was always bringing home cheap fags for my older brothers.
Me, only tried a cigarette once, puked everywhere. Never again. I was 5. I very occasionally may have a cigar though, esp at Christmas dos

Lin - keep it up, you're doing really well. I'm told the first 2 months are the hardest, so just go 1 day at a time

. Good luck
