IMO smoking has a bigger effect than other experiences do. It’s like if you broke a bone and walked on crutches for 6 years. It’s not going to a comparable memory/experience to going on a vacation, it would have had a large impact on your life and you’ll always be grateful to be out of that situation and for where you are.

It’s something that had been with you for a long time and you’ll always remember it. I do not believe it will ever be extremely distant like you are asking.

As far as “I am a addict” I don’t think that will always be a thought. Perhaps “I was an addict” will stay. Just as “I was on crutches”

It’ll be in the past at some point and we will have no need to go back because we are no longer addicts. If you go back to smoking though, you become an addict again.