After 2 times trying to quit, I finally quit 8 years ago.
This worked best for me:
1. cold turkey - "tapering off" doesn't work
2. never, ever allow yourself "just one", no matter the circumstances
3. be especially careful of being tempted in settings where people commonly smoke: bars, concerts, etc. You have to give it up completely. This desire has to trump your desire to smoke.
Although I enjoyed smoking, and have fond memories of it, I am very glad I quit. I sleep better, smell better, food tastes better, and I rarely get sick. I am much better off.
Exactly. If you commit yourself, you will change your behaviors, habits, etc. and avoid anything that would possibly get you to falter. With smoking, you may even need to find a new set of friends who are not smokers. That's what I found when I quit.
It sounds like you and I found out the same thing the same way. Congrats on kicking the habit like you did.
be especially careful of being tempted in settings where people commonly smoke: bars, concerts, etc. You have to give it up completely. This desire has to trump your desire to smoke.
It should be helpful that we live near the 'Smokeless People's Republic of Austin'!