t's not as if I hadn't considered giving up the habit. After all, I wasn't one of the few smokers who disbelieve the highly persuasive evidence that smoking is bad for you — very bad indeed. When I started, it was to be an occasional indulgence. Within a year, it had degenerated into regular puffing, decreased lung capacity, and a significantly higher risk of lung cancer and heart disease — not to mention a high risk of being hooked for life.

They say I'll have a 60% chance of quitting when I finish these patches. That in 10 years my risk of cancer and heart disease will be near normal. That if I still feel I need the patches, I should consult with my doctor. I hope it doesn't come to that, but giving up three or more dreams each night — completely remembered and often lucid — will be tough.