I am a proud dual user. Some of the posts in this thread are disheartening, others I 'liked.'
I don't think most eCig users are dual users, but do think that within the first year that a vast majority may not kick the habit of smoking, especially if they are looking at eCigs as 'easy way out of smoking' and if that isn't 100% true, then they may revert back to abusive smoking.
Abusive smoking is the issue, for me. I no longer do that. I find it very challenging to consider how anyone could do that in a world where eCigs are being mass produced. About the only way I can reconcile that abusive smoking still exists now is that a) we (the world) are in a massive transitional period and b) ANTZ types are doing all they can to make the transition to full acceptance of vaping as difficult as possible.
I dual use for a couple reasons, but one is for the politics of things.
It isn't "made up". Long term dual users are rare. They do exist. Community-wise a dual user should be welcome. Dual users should be aware of the potential problems.
Dual use escalates the BT, BP and ANTZ fight.
- ANTZ argue dual for tax and regulation like smoking.
- ANTZ will attribute smoking illnesses and deaths to vaping. (CDC "Kristy" poster.)
- Propaganda will deter smokers from looking to switch. (BT & BP Profit.)
- If dual use is common then the devices aren't capable of being used for cessation.
Etc...
Very much agree that dual users should be welcome and do believe that for the most part they very much are.
I am up for 'escalating the fight' via purposeful dual use. Hence, one of the reasons I dual use. Even if zero dual users existed, ANTZ are going to continue being ANTZ. Anyone that disputes that assertion, please speak up. Be bold. I'll listen. But, I won't kowtow to more ANTZ rhetoric around 'dual use' just because some vapers are onboard suddenly with anti-smoking rhetoric. You ought to be ashamed, and if not, I'll see to it that your words are used against you, for they are that frivolous and easy to defeat.
As one who has quit cold turkey, I get the liberation that can come from cessation. Yet, as one who dual uses and has been liberated from abusive smoking, I am a little more proud as a dual user than I was as non-smoking person with head buried in the proverbial sand. If vaping were only about cessation, then logically at some point, the 'movement' would become all about cessation from vaping. For surely, former vapers will one day exist, and if they are anything like former smokers, I say watch out.
Vaping has become for me, a recreational choice and one that I see many engaged in. I realize that for many it is a cessation device, and I think it will be for as long as we are in this transitional period. But that really does not need any touting or preaching. In fact, I think it works far better for smokers and vaping community if that is discovered on its own, and in own way for each individual. Which for some, perhaps many, that will include some sense of dual using. Possibly dual using indefinitely. Which begs the question of "is cessation occurring if dual user is smoking?" And in my view, if the addiction to abusive smoking has been broken, then it is, in essence occurring. While that is debatable (and I'm up for that debate), I could point to all the vapers who claim without legal access to vaping, they'd be back to smoking (abusively, presumably) which also begs the question of, "have you really quit?"
I rant because I tire of vaping being seen only thru prism of cessation (as in abstinence). I find that to be dangerous thinking but also the norm, it seems of current vaping community. As if being set up like a bowling pin, but thinking instead like it is the most righteous path. Really? Even during my cold turkey days I couldn't stoop to such a low level of ignorance. A shame to see it become the predominant thought (or even an afterthought) within the vaping community.
