I gave up in 1976. I was starting a new job, and figured it would help me stick with it if I started as a non smoker. By God though, it was hard! I sucked so many boiled sweets, that a ended up with a very ulcerated mouth. So, I went on the Rinstead Pastilles - well exceeded the recommended dose.

I craved a cigarette for a long time after that. What stopped me starting again? It was the memory of how hard it was to give up, never wanted to go through that again.

At the time, I swore that I'd start again when I retired, on the grounds that I'd probably be near enough to the end for the health issue not to matter. Don't think I ever will though.

Rog

P.S. I thgought for a moment there this was going to turn into another acrimonious 'smoker vs non-smoker' thread. Glad it didn't.