Hi everyone!
I'm working on a blog post for E-Cigarette Direct/the Ashtray Blog, aiming to give some advice to people who've tried vaping but didn't take to it, and I'm looking for a bit of input to pin down the most common reasons smokers struggle to switch.
I was wondering if some vapers here with more experience than me on this front would be able to offer some insight (personally I chain-vaped like a lunatic for the first few days and managed to quit first-time). I have a few specific questions, but if there's anything you want to add then obviously feel free!
Did it take you more than one attempt to switch? If so, what was it that made the difference and helped you finally make the transition?
Or if you still smoke and vape, what's the main thing holding you back from switching completely?
Do you know anyone else who struggled to switch or was a dual user at first but quit smoking on a subsequent attempt? What made the difference for them?
How important a factor is support (from other vapers or stop-smoking services) when you're trying to switch?
And lastly - what's your number one piece of advice for someone trying to switch?
Any input you could offer would be very much appreciated!
Cheers!
I smoked cigarettes nonstop for more than 6yrs, cigars for more than 1yr. Switching to vaping was relatively easy. The first few days it was a bit of a struggle. I've tried patches, Nicotrol, nicotine gum, and quitting cold turkey before.
When I started vaping I did not use an e-cig. I studied what was available on the Internet while going through Nicotrol withdrawals and yes, even smoking a few cigarettes...then I saw vaping. I followed that down the rabbit hole based on what I saw of a neighbor. I did not ask or indulge him... I thought he was nuts, hahahaha. He had a e-cig pen. Low wattage. When I went to the vape shops I bought a 75w Sigelie box mod, then a 150w Sigelei, and now I have 5 Aspire Atlantis II tanks, more than 2,500ml of prepared e-liquids and at least 5 - 250ml, 100mg flasks of pure nicotine. I'm buying raw nicotine, prepared e-liquid, and supplies right in case there is a cut off by the Feds.
I smoked abt 10 cigarettes the month I started vaping, Sept 7th, 2015. I was at a pack or more per day when I started. Have 6+ packs of unopened Marlboro Light 100's from my last carton in the freezer. If I ever want one it's there but the taste is awful. Have not smoked a cigar in years, a cigarette since abt mid September, and I do not plan to smoke any of either going forward. This is the third or fourth time I've quit, but as long as I have reasonable access to vaping gear I do not think I'll ever go back to cigars or cigarettes.
Have no intent to quit vaping at the moment. I'm very satisfied with where I'm at, and am bulking up in everything from gear (electronics, tanks, replacement parts for everything) to raw 100mg nic, in case restrictions are placed on the materials needed to continue at a reasonable cost. See my signature. I think my goal is to have enough nicotine and flavors on hand for at least 5yrs maybe more. PG/VG should be available so I'm not too worried.
I do not need this or any site for reinforcement, but it's interesting to see new gear and see what people are saying abt laws nationwide (US). I don't need support from anyone and I pop in to a shop once in a while to see what is new on the vape scene. I don't get the attraction for the vaping scene. It's here though if you are looking for something regarding the process. Vape shops are plentiful in the Chicagoland area for now...but maybe not for long. The City of Chicago has just passed an 0.85 cent tax on all gear, and a 0.55 cent tax per ml of e-liquid sold. It's just a hunch, but I'd bet the tobacco lobby is behind the preposterous tax amount, and I'd be willing to bet that a number of shops close within Chicago. I'll be going DIY in the months ahead and using recipes from this and other sites to hone my skills just in case there is a ban on anything. If you need support for vaping, fine, no biggie, ECF is a pretty nice site overall. Lots of knowledge on ECF.
As far as switching goes, vaping is much much much cleaner for you and your body. What I mean by that is you never feel like you're choking on tar or cigarette additives overnight or the next morning, and for the most part you know what is going in to your body. You're freebasing nicotine in ammonia and up to 7,000 other chemicals when you smoke a cigarette. Cigarette & cigar smoking are a filthy habit that I'm glad to be rid of.