I was coughing so much I knew I had to do something.

I decided to quit on my grand daughters birthday. August 8, 2005.

Started with max. strength patchs AND max strength gum at the same time. Every two weeks I would reduce the content of either the patch or the gum.

For the past 6 monthes I chew the 2mg gum only. I still have an intake of nicotene but I no longer cough like crazy, stink or feel like an outcast among friends.

I have many good friends that still smoke and that is their choice. I just knew that it was doing me in, and that I had to stop.

Good luck to all that are trying to quit and thanks for such an important post.