Getting off nicotine patches

I haven't had a smoke in over two days.

After it crossing my mind for a few weeks I woke up on Monday March 3 and decided I would quit smoking.

I arrived at work feeling optimistic and good about my decision. I knew enough to recognise that my morning coffee outside with the workmates would have to be sacrificed so I smugly headed upstairs to make a peppermint tea. (Look at me I thought, I have quitting intelligence).

The next two hours were disgusting to say the least. I was not at all prepared for how yuck it would feel.

From dizziness to a lack of concentration to headaches – for the first time in my life I felt like a drug addict and reality hit me like a tonne of bricks.

In tears I ran down to the chemist at 12pm and bought up on Nicotine replacement products in the form of patches and chewing gum. It helped alleviate the cravings immediately.

But last night was terrible as I tossed and turned until 2 (did not know smoking affected sleeping patterns).

I have taken off my patch today as I feel like it’s cheating – as soon as I did along came the groggy feeling all over again.

Am also worried about the weekend as I'm supposed to be going out with friends but think I should cancel.

Any advice? Please tell me it gets better =)