Very good thread and wonderful and informative replies.

I quit about 4 years ago. I was a heavy (1-11/2 packs/day) smoker for over 35 yrs. Tried unsuccessfully many times to quit. Then I suffered through a very severe (1st) COPD episode and I put it in my mind that I didn't want to die that way. I quit by progressively lowering doses of patches and gum. It took 3 mo to comfortably go without all/any nicotine. I do however, think about them and how enjoyable it would be to have one but nope, so far, my will power has been strong!

By the way, I know for a fact that there is a big change in my lungs. The Xray of my lungs showed my lungs black ("smokers lung") but a year later there was no blackness - nice and clear. I am using an inhaler every AM for my COPD but I have not had any more episodes (except for the somewhat SOB that I get when exercising, cleaning, etc).

Downfall: I have gained 100lbs in these 4 yrs.

So please, any non-smoker, please don't start and any smoker, please quit!