I quit smoking after a good 6 years of fiending. I spent a year and a half sober, no drinking or smoking. Then I slowely came back to it and from my quiting I believe I gained a new appreciation and understanding. I learned what I liked and what i didn't, when is a good time to smoke and when it makes no sense. I quit for the same reason you did and I totally understand. My consumption now is nowhere near when I quit.