I think you're all taking the smokes thing a bit too seriously.
As a serious issue, it's true -- I've had smokes-cravings in times of stress for over 20 years -- but in this instance I'm merely using it as a narrative device; I'm sure that if I actually fired up a butt I'd find it rather distasteful. I've seen research that says it works on the same principal as deep-breathing exercises -- it's the long drag on the nicotine-delivery-system that produces the calming effect and combines with the stimulation you get from the nick. But it's like being an "ex-alcoholic" -- no such thing; once a smoker, always a smoker, whether or not you're puffing away.
