It's not stupid at all. It is a hallmark of addiction. I have read that smoking is harder to quit than heroin. I was a 2 pack a day smoker and I quit cold turkey (after several aborted attempts). I threw an almost full pack in the trash and never smoked again. That was in 1976 (the year disco came out). It was pretty miserable for several days then it got easier and easier. I have never tried the patch, but a phase out plan sounds like a reasonable approach also. I haven't had a craving for cigarette for decades.