I wanted to contribute the technique/attitude I used to quit after 20
years: Don't try 1 time and feel like a failure cause you couldn't do
it all at once. Make quitting part of your lifestyle. Quit all the
time. Every time you run out of cigs... there's your opportunity.
Try doing without for 1 day. Try doing without 1 day every few days.
Try doing without 2 days. Try quitting Period. If that doesn't
work, try doing without 1 day. Etc.

It takes practice to do without, but it can be done! I eventually was
able to get off the merry go round after a long struggle. When I was
finally off, I found the cravings were not as dire as advertised...
It's the first few days that are tough. So practice getting through
those first few days. If you relapse down the road, don't just give
in. Quit again! There's no limit to how many times you can quit!
Eventually, you will realize that it's not as important and all
encompassing as you thought. I was surprised.

Beware, however. Drinking and being around people who are smoking
makes it difficult to exercise your willpower; the alcohol makes you
want to join in the "festivities". Don't torture yourself - try to
avoid the situation.

I have been off for 2 years now, and I'm going to stay that way. A
few years ago I noticed a numb squishy feeling in my fingertips, which
was getting worse with time. After some obsessive web hunting, decided
that I was very much at risk for Buergers. I was scared, but it still
took me a couple of years to quit. Now my bad sensation has receded
and just feels a little cold. Hopefully it will go away someday.

Good luck to you all, and thanks for putting the scare into me, by
posting.

Over and Out,
Ed