Table of Contents
1. Introduction: So you want to Quit Smoking!
Good for you. I have done it a few times through vaping. I am now off combustible cigarettes after a 40-year habit. But, I bet you are wondering, is this the fix that works?
Quitting cigarettes is no easy task; you may have tried and failed before. It takes a lot of dedication to kick an addiction. If you’ve already undertaken the challenge, you may have tried a few different approaches. While quitting “cold turkey” has been proven to be successful for some (I even succeeded for a month), the long-time effect of smoking develops a dependence on nicotine. With the introduction of vaping products – containing nicotine – it is now possible to quit combustible tobacco without quitting nicotine altogether. Vaping e-cigarettes is healthier than traditional cigarettes because they contain chemicals known to cause deadly illnesses. Vaping itself is not something that will harm your pets either!
We cover (in an earlier) article the safety of e-cigarettes over combustible cigarettes. We also have a video explaining the 95% safety figure (which may go up to 97% with the latest studies). As misinformation about teen vaping and EVALI lung damage continues to spread, the public’s understanding of smoking-and vaping related safety issues is becoming more clouded. With adults afraid of e-cigarettes due to this miscommunication, it seems that common sense has been suspended by a haze of dubious scientific claims.
2. Options for Quitting Cigarettes:
Cold turkey. Obviously the safest, and it can be effective if done right. Can be done.
Patch
Oral Products (the efficacy of those pills – such as Chantix – are controversial in my opinion).
Nasal Sprays
ENDS – Vaping
SNUS
Other Smokeless products and Water Pipes.
Nicotine is addictive, but it won’t kill you. It’s like caffeine and stimulates the nervous system. Nicotine is also complex and can act the opposite for a calming effect.
The latest studies say that chewing tobacco is 85% safer than smoking, vaping is 95% safer than smoking, and NRTs (nicotine replacement therapies) are 98% safer. So, if you have tried cold turkey, patch, gum, or even SNUs, and have not been successful, then vaping may be the solution you are looking for.
For more science, pick up Stop Smoking, Start Vaping. The Healthy Truth About Vaping 2023
3. Now What? Get Some E-Cigarette Supplies
Making the switch from smoking to vaping is a huge step forward – congratulations! You’ve made an important decision, now it’s time to get started. Depending on where you live, getting supplies might be easy or hard. To start with, try picking up some disposable vapes at your local vape shop; these are great for indoor use and can help fight off those cravings until more cost-effective options arrive in the mail. As opposed to regular nic products used by earlier adapters of vaping technology, disposables offer a more intense nicotine hit than regular vapes, since they are pre-filled with higher levels of salted juice. Plan on picking up regular vapes (pods and lower nic e-liquids).
Next, you will need some bottled juices. I suggest lower concentrations of 6 to 24 mg. One of the joys of vaping is relaxing and chain vaping. You will want lower amounts of nicotine for chain vaping.
I suggest you purchase some e-liquids from a local vape shop. You will get an idea of what you like. I would also pick up a couple Smok Novo devices (especially the Smok Novo 2x). There are plenty of reviews on YouTube for the Smok Novo, and your local store may have different kinds. Get a few pod refills. Backups are essential, especially when learning a new activity.
What if you live in one of those states (New York comes to mind)? Might be time for a road trip. Friends can mail your supplies, but you might need to pay them back. You should become involved with all advocates in your area for Tobacco Harm Reduction. In all states, there are certain vapes approved by the FDA (nJoy, Vuse, and Logic). They are higher nic concentrates, and some just taste plain nasty. But, let’s get off the stinky’s, and then worry about future plans. Many folks have worked with these JUUL-type products and were able to quit smoking.
4. Okay, Let’s Get The Ball Rolling (Your Quitting Time)!!
I suggest a weekend with nothing to do. If you are suffering from a cold, flu, or Covid, now is a great time to stop as well. You should have between 3 and 4 devices at hand. I spent the time in bed watching YouTube videos (I provide a sampling on the website). Some people take off camping and leave the tech behind. just keep your vape supplies handy and charged.
How to move from disposables to pod systems? First off, learn how to open your pod. Some are top, some are side, and some are bottom. Some have a very loose mouth to lung, others are tight. If filling up a Novo pod from the side, let a bubble form towards the bottom top corner. I will provide a couple of review videos below for help. Remember, there are a ton of devices on the market, and folks have their favorites. If you are not purchasing SMOK products, search for other reviews that match your products.
Regardless of how you fill it, let the pod stand for 10 minutes before vaping. I did not the first time, and that was a nasty taste. Also, you will discover that some juices are just too strong, especially if you were smoking 5 to 7 cigs a day like me. That is why it’s important to have different juice varieties. Your pods will also last longer if you just keep one juice per pod, hence the backups you need to buy.
Yes, the initial outlay is considerable. but if you don’t stick with disposables, you are saving money in the long run. if you just go cold turkey, then you will save a lot of money. I am simply offering a little experience with alternatives.
5. Additional References
Now that we have discussed the choices when it comes to quitting cigarettes, take a stand and commit to a healthier lifestyle. It is not an easy thing to do and overcoming addictions take time and determination. Having the right support system is important as well. Vaping is a safer alternative that has worked for many people but making sure you have the supplies you need before beginning will help your success.
Let’s come together in our common goal by talking and encouraging everyone who has tried or is trying to quit smoking. Please comment below in the comments section and show us how vaping has (or may) helped you on your journey to quit smoking! Together we can make a difference!
