A very interesting post that will undoubtedly be helpful to many people. My experience with giving up cigarettes suggests, however, another option--at least for some people. I started smoking in my early teens and made a decision when relatively young (late thirties) to drop the cigarette habit--solely for reasons of health. I actually enjoyed smoking, so I made the decision with reluctance ... and like many others, I failed in my initial attempts.

I then opted to try a different approach--rather than quitting, I committed to continue smoking. I did so, however, with the knowledge that I would look forward to smoke-free days. If I felt the urge to light up, I could give myself the 'gift' of delayed gratification ... waiting until later in the day, or perhaps the next day.

Waiting until the next day became a minor victory ... and I had no sense of deprivation or loss, since I hadn't "quit" ... smoking, and the pleasure that it offered, continued to be available to me. I simply indulged myself less often and took pride in the fact that I was doing something beneficial for myself. Within a matter of weeks I was smoking significantly less--and within a few months, I had effectively weaned myself from the habit.

That was more than thirty years ago. I still identify as an 'occasional smoker.' If I am with a group of people who are smokers, I have given myself permission to accept if someone offers me a cigarette. But in fact, I don't buy cigarettes, and it is quite unusual if I smoke more than one or two a year.

Thinking that I would "never again" experience the pleasure of smoking made me obsess on cigarettes. Knowing that I could smoke any time that I wanted, but choosing to defer on a day to day basis was easy by comparison.