Thanks for bumping this, Timbo. I don't think I've read this one before.
Reading this just now reminded me of how momentous that struggle seemed before I had quit. Yet, once I had stopped smoking and NRT's, resulting in physical withdrawal, I realized it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Don't get me wrong. Physical withdrawal is a mess. But so are the flu, colds, stomach viruses, etc. You feel like h--- for a few days, and then you begin to heal. So, while I never want to go through that again, it is not the end of the world. And that comparison is based upon my experience, which I heard was pretty intense. (Some people have few to no physical symptoms.)
And now, that I am further away from that withdrawal experience, I am so glad I did it. So much mental, emotional, and physical energy is freed up when not constantly trying to manage an active physical addiction.
Good post PB! To beat this thing, as you said, you need total confidence that you can beat the habit and any cravings or withdrawl that come your way. Of course, it also helps in the quit when you are realistic that it is hard to quit, that you have to feel things that you don't want to feel, and that your mind will take a lot of punishment for future reward. Sometimes I was at the point of thinking that it was never going to get better, that the cravings would never end. That is just the (as PB calls it) "junkie" mind coming out.
You've done great PB, and have helped me out on my quit as well, as I was going through the same thing at almost the same point as you. Along with the rest of SSC, I keep saying it, SSC is the best NRT!
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 4/3/2009 Smoke-Free Days: 50 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 750 Amount Saved: $375.00 Life Gained: Days: 5 Hrs: 12 Mins: 2 Seconds: 19
R I G H T O N!!!! You have come a long ways in such a short amount of time! You have fought and kicked that nico-demon's ash into submission!!! I really think that you have got "it" this time and don't see any relapse in your future!! Way to go, buddy!!!
Jim
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 3/5/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 443 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 11,075 Amount Saved: $1,827.38 Life Gained: Days: 75 Hrs: 2 Mins: 12 Seconds: 30
Along with the rest of SSC, I keep saying it, SSC is the best NRT! 
