I smoked from the time I was 15 until age 25 and I am now 68. Quit cold turkey (because I really, really wanted to quit). When I would get a craving for a cigarette, I would just wait a few more minutes, then wait a few minutes more, etc. Eventually the craving went away. The really hard part was when I would be out having a few beers and someone would pass a pack around. They were cheap then (1961)......

I didn't try any gum or other things. I did notice that I didn't know what to do with my hands. After a few months food started to taste as I had remembered it though.

If you need to use a "crutch" to quit, do so. It's worth it. Just be committed to quitting and you can do it.

I have a brother who is 9 years younger than I and was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He knew the risks he was taking and said so. He liked smoking and just didn't want to quit. Now we will be paying the price.