Over the years you tried to get out by going back the way you went in. You got in there gradually, so it made sense that you would get out the same way. Tunnels are like that. You go out the exit, not out the entrance. Once you truly accept this, getting out is much easier, and you avoid eating as a substitute for smoking.
Different people have different lengths of 'smokn tunnels' to get through.
My wife's was three years long. Mine was more than 20 years long. If it's more difficult for you, if it's taking you longer than other people, it's not your fault. It says nothing bad about you. Being a winner, it's just harder for you to 'quit' than it is for other people.