I quit about ten years ago, but then got hooked on the gum. The gum is slightly reinforcing because you can have it to regulate a mood, get tense, and have a piece of gum. About 2 years ago, I bought the patches and even with them I had a hard time quitting. I didn't use any gum or cigs with the patches, but I struggled, I was deeply addicted to nicotine. Your brain makes nicotine, and you have so many receptors, as you smoke, your receptors die and it takes more nicotine to feel normal because you have fewer receptors. I visualized my brain making more receptors!
Drinking alcohol or coffee makes you have more nicotine urges, so quitting that might be helpful at first. The problem most people have is they think one won't make a difference and this often happens when they are out with friends and have a drink, so beware. I keep a box of patches here just in case and instead of a cigarette, I’ll have a patch. I’m am truly thankful to be off of nicotine.