What Kopper and THEE Reverend are saying is so true . But , as a lifelong nonsmoker (It was fashionable for centuries to smoke , but that does'nt put me above anyone who still does , or make me in ANY way trendy. I just never got into it.) who comes from a long line of smokers , the big truth is , quitting is easier for some than for others.
But the miracle man , himself , Roky Erickson (Who resurrected his musical career when all bets were off , has toured the US and the world , whereas he'd previously only played Texas and California and maybe a handful of Southwestern gigs , got his first drivers license in decades , and is back with his ex-wife, Dana , after 30 years.) , is now an ex - smoker , and , he smoked A LOT, for many , many years . I could think of others......
I've seen enough friends and family members try to kick , many with success ,to know I would'nt advise going cold turkey , even tho' it may not sound like much coming from someone who never really smoked. Just be focused , and , as Kopper said , set a goal date , and kick smoking's ass , one step at a time.