Hello Ready2Quit,
Admittedly it is nearly 7 years since I used the patches and maybe they have changed a bit since then, however I'll give you some advice nevertheless....
Read the advice on the packet and prepare yourself to stick with that advice. The makers have tested the patch and have found the most effective way of using it.
Don't be afraid of the stepping down. Usually you have 4 weeks on one level of patch, and this is to help you change your psychological and habitual attitudes to smoking. Chew your toothpicks and anything else which helps.
Do try to stay as vigilant as you are now as you work through the patches. They will not work alone and are not a miracle cure. They require your serious determination not to smoke along with their use.
I found hardly any difference at each step down, partly because I was not afraid and also because I just increased my use of straws toothpicks etc. for a couple of days each time.
I noticed a slight difference after the last patch came off, so I gave myself a couple more weeks of NRT by chewing tiny pieces of Nicotine gum when I was panicky, but I suspect it was just me being under-confident of going it alone. So much of this process is "in the mind" as they say!
Do stick with the patches (no pun intended!) Stay strong and determined to beat the Nicodemon. Use this site as much as you can for moral support. It all worked for me 7 years ago and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be free!!!
NEVER LOOK BACK! THE FUTURE IS AHEAD! Lolly.
