Well, Charles, you used the old analogy "When you realize you are digging yourself into a hole, the first thing you have to do is stop digging". I quit smoking 21 years ago and to this day I will tell anyone it was the smartest thing I ever did. It wasn't that hard to quit. Hell..... I quit 42..... maybe 43 times! The problem was STAYING quit!
Once you get past the cravings, you'll realize how much better things are. I took up walking. Every time I wanted a smoke, I went for a walk. Walked three, four times a day some times. You have to occupy your time doing something where you are not going to want to hold a square in your fingers.
Sounds like you are on the uptick, though. Good job. It will only get better, bud.