Had Pneumomediastinum, Seems To Be Going Away Itself. Want To Quit Smoking. Opinions ?

I recently had a pneumomediastinum, 3-4 days ago, it wasn't a really bad one, I ended up getting a bunch of tests done and it seemed to be healing on its own so they sent me home without any kind of medication. I obviously know that I should not smoke, and I haven't been since I got it, but I am dying for a little bit of a smoke, I am planning on quitting and all, but going cold turkey is not the way for me to do it, I have tried many times before and I always end up falling back into smoking a lot more once I break, I am just wondering if it is a terrible idea to go out for a smoke every now and then but continuously cutting back how much and then hopefully in not too long I won't be smoking anymore, but going from being a heavy smoker to nothing at all is a shock and I am struggling to not go out for a cigarette or a joint at least. I am just wondering, because I am reading and hearing lots of different things, and I would like a legitimate expert opinion as my doctor really didn't give me much information. Thanks.