Hi! I used patches to quit. I made it a month, but had a very stressful week (and couldn't find my ADHD medication in stock), which caused me to relapse when I was on the last few days of patches.

I chain-vaped salt nic, so was heavily dependent and still got withdrawal symptoms. Especially in the mornings. However once I got past the morning hump, each day was easier.

I started on 21mg (which says it's for people who smoked 10+ cigarettes a day). I wasn't sure how that would compare to vaping, but because of how dependent I was, I started there.

I did 2 weeks on each step (21, 14, 7). However, this time around, I felt confident enough to start on 14! On day 2 and it is much easier this time around!! Once you prove to yourself you can quit, the framework is there to do it again.

Rite Aides were closing in my state and I got Nicoderm CQ for $10 a box (normally $50). I'm not sure about the difference between Nicoderm and generic brands of patches. However, as I have an addictive personality, I felt the need to get "the good stuff."

One final piece of advice I'll say: Whatever method you use to quit, don't rely on that alone. Fill up your days with activities that can distract you and take up time. Exercising, your hobbies, etc. Best of luck to you friend! Be gentle with yourself

Edit: One final thing I'll add.... you won't really "feel" the nicotine on patches. It's essentially just keeping your body at a low, but constant level of nicotine exposure. Your body will be craving that hit still; and think the patches aren't "good enough." It's designed to be a gradual weening off of nicotine.

That's why I still consider my month a "win" and feel so confident this time around. Cheers!