I started smoking at age 17…and smoked 1-2 packs a day for 39 years. I tried to quit 4 times during that period. Once was ‘cold turkey’, as this was before nicotine replacement products were available. I was in my late 20s, and that attempt lasted a few months On and Off but ultimately I returned to smoking. The next three attempts were each about 5-7 years apart, always using nicotine patches. Each time I started with the recommended program and scaling back the patch strength. When I would finally get to the last dosage level and then no patch…. with 1-2 weeks I would start having a cigarette now and then, which ultimately led to smoking ‘full time’. I bought an e-cigarette on a ‘whim’ to try something that might work. I received it on 3/12/11, the day after I purchased a carton of cigarettes. From that day forward, I have never smoked a cigarette and would never even consider having one. As I became more confident that the e-cig was working, Each week when I played golf with my friend (who smoked) I gave him 2 packs of cigarettes from the carton I bought. My health has improved, all the negative effects of smoking: cough, heavy chest feeling have been gone since about 3 months after starting the e-cig. I feel great, physically and mentally since breaking the cigarette habit.