[ac42]

I think one reason that quitting is so hard is that it is assumed to be a 100 to zero transition. I believe that just as getting addicted, weaning off is a process. Without having established a mindset of truly wanting to quit and without clearly understanding your very own reasons for it, it's way too easy to consider that occasional misstep a total failure of the project.

[antiframe]

I used to think it was hard too, but then I read _Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking_. I followed the instructions and continued smoking while reading the book, sometimes literally standing outside my apartment building with a cigarette and book in hand. I read it all the way through in two evenings in a random November. I forget the year; it was long ago. After I finished the book, I put it down and told my girlfriend at the time (now wife) that it worked. I haven't had a craving or cigarette since.

It was a 100 to zero transition. Previously when I tried to quit, spending time with smoking friends would get me to smoke again. This time, it didn't. One of my smoking coworkers, mid chat, said he would be back. I told him I can keep talking with him while he goes out for a smoke. He asked if I was crazy, I had just quit, he didn't want to be a trigger. I went out and joined him for some fresh air while he smoke and nothing. Not even a small inkling of a craving.

It worked.