I started smoking when I was 12 year old in 1963. I was a 3 pack a day smoker by the time I was 18 and though I tried many time to give it up, was at best only able to reduce my intake. I did once succeed in stopping for a period of time using Nicorette gum, but went back to smoking when confronted with a life stressor. It was not until I started using electronic-cigarettes in May 2010, that I was able to finally and completely to give up smoking. I went from what was then a 2 pack a day smoker, to giving them up entirely within a week, and have no desire to ever smoke another. But, I am still addicted to nicotine, and specifically the rush of nicotine that can only be achieved through inhalation. That is why I was unable to successfully quit using Nicorette gum, as it took too long for the nicotine to be absorbed and I never got the rush. As long as I can get my nicotine through vaping, I have no desire for smoking tobacco, but I am sure that if I was no longer allowed to vape, I would start back smoking. I stopped smoking 2 1/2 years ago after a heart attack and have been using the e-cig since. It is less harmful to me and others it is a great product.