d thanks for mentioning the meal before it happened. sounds like a typical meal for most people, kinda scary.

my dad used to leave heart and smoking pamphlets next to my chair, I tried quitting since the 1990's, I finally did it in 2011 and never looked back. the only thing that I could do it with was the e-cigs and I quit those eventually a few years ago with straws.

you might have to try a few methods before you can find one that will work for you. I think those patches are very powerful, you can immediately feel the nicotine going in if you are late replacing a patch but I always went back with those.

there are so many options, I hope the gum works for you. you can maybe add some straws to that, the chewing and having something in the mouth is very effective.