You are right. I was doing a substitute and, in the end, it
   didn't have lasting effects. I could only share my experiences
   though, if nothing else, as a case study for comparison's sake.
   I tried that method using an app that spaced the cigarettes out.
   For me, I was able to get down to 10 (I was ... am... a heavy
   smoker) but my willpower to continue beyond that waned.

   But my brother a year later tried it and it worked for him.

   But... he had a medical scare prior to making the attempt. I
   believe the medical scare is what prompted him to carry it
   through to completion and a successful smoke-free existence.
   He's been smoke free for several years now and I'm proud of him.