Re-starting and initial starting are two different things. I've experienced the same on quitting/restarting, but I can't say that the inital pack of cigarettes got me hooked. It was a cumulative thing over a period of months that gradually built into a habit/addiction/whatever.
After trying several times to quit, and some temporary help from Welbutrin I've been off cigarettes for almost 5 years now.
Excellent - 5 years is great. I'm 21 months smoke-free. Don't ever feel bad about using wellbutrin - cigarettes have a psychological effect that non-smokers don't understand. I quit cold turkey and its a wonder that I didn't kill anybody.
I quit several drugs including speed, heroin, cocaine etc. and found cigarettes the most difficult.
I haven't been in that position, but I will agree as to the difficulty of quitting and the ease with which one can start. I've had quits of 4 years, 1 year (twice), and several months under my belt. This time, I ain't starting again. It just won't happen.
I've found the mere PRICE of cigarettes these days has been the best incentive not to start again.
I am so angry that the greedy politicians have tacked such huge taxes on them..that I am determined they won't get a single red cent from me.
Besides, I look at what I could buy for the approx $180/month I would spend on cigarettes and I reward myself with the benefits. It works for me.