I think quitting smoking is like any other addiction ... When you're ready, the greater your chance of success.

I quit a three pack a day habit in October, 1993 and the main thing that keeps me from going back is knowing I'll still smoke 3 packs a day and start coughing up all that black icky goop again.

Yeah, that's the black crusty stuff that's all over the bottom of your dirty ashtrays, except it's in your lungs instead - a little less crusty though ... But, that's tar nonetheless and has no business in your lungs.

Cancer with a "C" isn't what scared me bad enough to quit ... It was Emphysema with an "E" ... And when I started seeing that black goop coming out my mouth when I was coughing so hard I pee'd myself, I knew it was time to quit.

Still hoping I dodged the bullet on that one. The last thing I want to see me doing is walking around pulling a green oxygen tank behind or beside me. Of course they didn't have these electronic cigarette gizmos back then, I did the patch and it worked - but, again, I was ready and doubt I'd have been successful if I hadn't been because I'd tried many times before and failed miserably.

One regret I do have is that I never smoked a Black & Mild before I quit ... Don't know why ... Sure do love the way they smell ... Maybe when I know I'm nearing death, I'll throw caution to the wind and have me one of those.

Yeah, I still crave the damn things, but I choose every day to not go there and therein lies the success ... I guess.

Good Luck & Best Wishes!