re: For folks who have quit smoking...need some advice

I quit four months ago using nicorette lozenges. I smoked about the same amount as you for a few years longer. It is really difficult to stay away from smoking while drinking, so I just didn't drink the first few months, or don't drink to the point where you're like "frick it, give me a smoke".

I'm still on the lozenges, though I'm down to about 3-4/day of the 2mg. They definitely help, so I'd recommend taking one of those in place of a cigarette.