Do you have experience with quitting smoking or nicotine replacement therapy?

Today, I am quitting smoking after 5 years of having smoked approximately 15–20 cigarettes per day. I have never before attempted to quit.

I smoked my last cigarette last night and am currently experiencing my first morning without nicotine. It’s going well so far, and I’ve spent the morning reading information about quitting. I’m pretty excited about this (though I’m sure I will miss it), and I always stick to decisions I’ve made, so this is really happening. I just want to make the transition as effectively as possible.

Would you recommend nicotine replacement therapy? Should I use Nicoderm/Nicorette, or should I try this alone? Will I be more comfortable and more likely to succeed if I use one of these products, or are they not very effective? If you would recommend using nicotine replacement therapy, would you suggest the nicotine patch or nicotine gum?

Do you have any other suggestions? When will it no longer be difficult to not smoke, and how long will it be before I no longer even think about wanting a cigarette?

Thanks for your advice!!!