8yrs 7 months clean for me now. Was the best thing I ever did, it wasn't easy as anyone who has kicked the habit will tell you.
Morning coughs so violent they were leading to regular migraine headaches that started affecting my work and social life, it made me READY to quit. I feel that is the main ingredient. If you truly WANT TO QUIT, you will do it easier than thinking 'ahh maybe I should cause I think I can'
I set a date 2 months ahead as the day I would become a NON SMOKER and stuck to it with the aid of patches, as others have said mad crazy dreams on them until I figured to remove them before hitting the sack, 6week later I was patch and ciggy free, the weight gain was a bad side affect but not as dangerous as smoking that's for sure.
I know others have gone cold turkey whilst some need all the help known to man to kick the habit and for anyone considering quitting yes, there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel, I hope it all goes well for the
OP, hang tough buddy.