When I quit ten years ago, the only options were the patch, the gum and that one anti-depressant (I forget the name). I tried them all. (BTW, I had smoked for 17 years and was up to about a pack 3/4 a day.)
I reacted badly to the anti-depressant, but that was just me. My MIL quit successfully using it.
The gum was ok, but it gave me a really upset stomach. It also gave me more freedom to cheat because I didn't have to wait all that long after having the gum if I wanted to smoke.
So, I tried the patch and that's what ended up working for me. The cravings, even with the patch, were pretty strong the first few days. After that, there were none until I stepped down to the next lower dosage, and even then, those weren't bad at all. I have very sensitive skin, and was worried about reacting to the patch, but I only had the normal redness where the patch was which went away soon after it was removed. I wore it all night too, and did not have problems with nightmares. I understand that some people did.
I used to smoke menthol, so I was also addicted to the mint. I chewed mint sugar-free bubble gum (I have no idea if they even make it any more) like it was going out of style. Also, Altoids (a type of mint candy) became my friend. To this day, I still have them in my car and often pop a couple in my mouth when I start my drive to work.
If weight gain is an issue for you, be very careful with your diet and exercise. I gained 25 pounds that I am still carrying around. Blah.
As for the behavioral part, same as quitting drinking. Remove yourself from others who smoke if at all possible (I couldn't - hubby still smokes). Replace the smoking habit with other habits. Talk yourself through the cravings and urges to smoke using positive thoughts etc.
Good luck! Nicotine is one nasty, physically addicting drug. I couldn't have done it cold turkey, but then again I am a wimp.
