Hi Ann; The truth is, you have nicotinic receptor sites in your brain that are "switched on" when you use nicotine. Receptor sites in the brain are like a lock and key; in your case, the key is nicotine, and the theory is that if you turn the key, it's always turned, you can't "unturn" it. That is to say, once the brain is "turned on" to accept or use nicotine (or any other drug like cocaine, heroin), it's always ready and waiting for its drug. That's the unfortunate thing about addictions. You may lose your craving over time, but the brain never "forgets" its drug. It can wait decades and be happy with its fix as if it was continuing from yesterday.

The other thing that can occur is that smoking carries with it not only a chemical addiction, but a behavioral addiction as well. The ritual of opening a pack, lighting up, etc, is part of the addiction behaviors. You made the connection years ago that smoking helped you manage stress and your mind hasn't forgotten that -- the very act of lighting up can help soothe frazzled nerves. However, research has shown that nicotine, while it is a stimulant and a relaxant at the same time (the only drug that has this characteristic) it actually CAUSES stress to increase.

So, contrary to popular myth, it really doesn't fix much of anything except its own addiction. For more information, go to the American Cancer Society's website:

http://www.cancer.org  type in "smoking" and they have tons of info.

I hope this helps!