Quitting strategies-

Hey community! I'm a smoker interested in quitting. I'm a closet smoker who doesn't ever smoke until after work and never in social settings. However, on my own I definitely find myself smoking. On a typical weekend I smoke about 7-8 cigs per day, but more like 3-4 on weekdays. Assuming I wasn't "addicted" I thought I could just stop cold turkey, but am having uncomfortably strong cravings,quit smoking now, especially in the evenings! I tried a nicotine patch in the past (lowest dose) but got totally sped up with it (heart palpitations and all!) Anyway, I'm here for advice. I haven't smoked all week ('bout five days now). I can get through the day without a problem, but the nights are tough. Getting into the weekend,stop smoking now, nights are even getting tougher. Have any of you tried tapering your smoking to off? I mean, instead of stopping cold turkey (like I have), have you actually just reduced your smoking until you stopped and quit successfully? I guess I'm asking because I feel like if I smoke one right now, I can take the edge off and maybe even get some sleep. If this craving keeps up, though, I feel like I will just be up all night until I break down and smoke a half a pack in one sitting! Thoughts??? Let me know! I would be so appreciative!