We are all different--some of us can quit "cold turkey" and that is great if you can, but some of us have a tougher time of it, and if a crutch is what is needed to keep from smoking, so be it! I use a plastic straw cut about the same length as a cigarette and go out on the porch where I used to smoke and suck on my straw. It makes me feel less deprived. I also use the Nicorette gum when the cravings get too bad. I know that is prolonging getting the nicotine out of my system, but at least I am not smoking! I smoked for over 40 years, and yes, I am addicted, but I am also very highly programmed to smoke under a lot of conditions. So I am working on reprogramming. Chewing some Nicorette every once in awhile helps with the reprogramming progress. I know I am dragging it out, because after Step 1 (reprogramming), I will have Step 2 (getting the nicotine out of my system by stopping the Nicorette), but I have failed so many times in the past, and this is working so far for me, so so be it!
Do whatever it takes, and feel good about yourself for staying smokefree, no matter how you do it!
Blessings!