It's not about getting another vice. Its a lifestyle change. You'll have to sever your connections with cigarettes - physically, chemically, and emotionally.
Don't smoke socially, to relieve stress, relax, when you're angry or bored or whatever. Identify the situations in which you normally smoke and eliminate or alter those situations.
For me it was while driving, at work and socially at parties. It was a nervous/anxious habit and also a habit of boredom.
I stopped driving to work and started biking. At work, I found extra tasks (often in other departments) to stay busy and simply not have time to smoke. Socially, I stopped drinking (I'm not against it, its just that my will power dramatically drops while drinking). If I do drink, I do it in places that dont allow smoking.
I've tried hypnosis tapes, the gum, the lozenges, candy etc in the past and none had worked. The last time I was able to use nicoderm CQ patches (starting at the largest dosage for two weeks and then stepping down to the middle dosage for two weeks). The patch helped control the the cravings and ease the effects of detoxification. I also started working out - specifically cardio workouts. The exersize helped with the anxiety and boredom that I normally would have filled with smoking. Additionally, just keep reminding yourself of why you want to quit: tastes bad, smells bad -and everything you own will smell like it, stains your teeth, destroys your body in SO many ways, effects your ability to be physically active, causes coughing, EXPENSIVE (hell, a weeks worth of patches was actually cheaper for me than a weeks worth of cigarettes), and many other reasons.
In short,
.THROW AWAY EVERYTHING used for smoking in your car and house (full and empty packs, all lighters, ashtrays,
pipes, cigars, posters, advertisements, etc)
.Eliminate or alter situations in which you'd normally smoke.
.Use a product to help reduce chemical cravings.
.Find other activities to keep you busy and not bored.
.If you get a craving, work out/ play music/ whatever you're into until the craving passes.
.Constantly tell yourself the negative associations with smoking and the positive results from quitting.
.Don't think of this as a burden, but as an opportunity.
What to expect while you quit:
shortness of breath while your lungs heal
coughing
headache
nausea
tingling sensation in extremities
lucid/vivid dreams