Smoking while on the pill

I just started taking the pill July 30th.

My doctor told me specifically to quit smoking because I would have a higher chance of stroke and blood clots while on the pill.

I smoke about a 1/2 a pack to a whole pack a day and I've been trying to quit but I just cant. I have so much going on that I might vent about in another group lol. Its just really hard for me to quit right now. So what i'm asking is how bad is it that I'm still smoking ? I'm only 22 so I thought I should be ok. I've been smoking daily for about 5 years... I know that's horrible but maybe that's why it's so hard for me to quit. Any ex-smokers have some tips or advice ?