I had the same issue. (At least I said had because I'm about 2 weeks into quitting cigarettes but not nicotine because I have a vape! It's easy to quit on that I've heard!)
At one point in time, they brought my sister and I from an awkward place to a comfortable one when we were basically forced to move in together. Then I got diagnosed, and the smoking became like 1-2 packs a day. So I get what you mean about loving the way it feels. It helps relax you too and stays in the system for a while. I have spent possibly $25,000 on them!
One way to get off of them without sacrificing the nicotine is to smoke a vaping device. The liquids come with nicotine in them if asked to make it that way!