Welcome, Crush!
That time right before we quit for good really is difficult. We're ready but also fearful and apprehensive.
Cutting down for a short bit might help you prep yourself, but really it just prolongs the agony. Just like the others said, you crave all day and continue the addiction. It's a miserable place to be.
I tried lots of different methods to quit, gum, cutting back, patches, pills, but none of those worked for me. Cold turkey was what ultimately worked for me. I decided that I would not put another cigarette in my mouth. During the first couple of weeks, there were moments that were hard - I cried, I got angry, I wanted to smoke. I did not give in. I came to the non-smoking forum and distracted myself in other ways too. I also tried to think positively about the awesome changes I was making for myself. I tried to be excited about my quit every day! The happy, positive moments by far outweighed the downer moments. Allen Carr's book helped me a ton. We are gaining so much freedom and losing absolutely NOTHING!
We'd love to get you know you and your wife and help you both along your journey to freedom. There are a few couples who have quit together. You can do it!
:)
The chicks and sticks game is a great place to go for fun and distraction. It may seem like a silly game, but people in there goof off and have fun. You get to know people and they help you stay quit! :)