I was never addicted to smoking. I had - and still have - a chemical dependence on nicotine (and the rest of the chemical cocktail that is in cigarette smoke) and my chosen delivery method was the cigarette.
Not trying to be a butthead, but after some intense personal experience with addicts and a lot of reflection, I have a hard time calling myself (and other smokers) addicts.
Well Done K-Tech. Your journey reminds me of mine. Though I have only been Vaping (& thus analogue free) for 10 days now. I wanted to quit smoking rollies too... but I never believed I could do it; as I did enjoy smoking (sometimes, not all of the time) & I was & still am addicted to nicotine.
Now, I have quit analogues completely & I feel wonderful- thanks wholly to Vaping... I truly believe this Vaping experience is a miracle for all those who wish to quit smoking & I'm so happy that e-cigs were invented. Honestly, I can't believe how easy quitting actually was- due to Vaping. And isn't it marvelous that ex-smokers no longer have to suffer the effects of quitting thanks to Vaping. Yes, Benny... it is Marvelous, it is not "disgusting" or "weak". Everyone is addicted to some-thing. be it shopping or food, or over- exercising or over working or drugs.... the list is endless. As are the many habits & routines that all humans find encounter.
I simply love Vaping also- its so convenient, tasty & fun. And I too love my nicotine- I just didn't want the nasty effects & fear of ill health that comes with smoking in my life anymore. But now I can enjoy the benefits of nicotine. (& yes I feel there are some benefits- particularly if one is an anxious, artistic &/or sensitive person). Plus I don't feel as addicted to Vaping as I did rollies. Its a different yet familiar experience.
I currently Vape 24 mg too. I will over the next few months decrease to 18mg & hopefully in time I can go down to 12 mg. But I don't see the point in going any lower. As, for me, without the nicotine, I don't much see the point in Vaping. However, over time I may change this view (like I said I've only been an ex-smoker/Vaper for 10 days now) & I may go to 6mg or 0mg- I don't know that yet. I'll keep ECF posted.
We have a right as individuals to choose what & when & how much we Vape or how much nicotine we use. That's what this forum is all about Benny... so get over your self Benny & break free from judgment's & your own self-imposed oppression.
I've been vaping a really short period of time (glances down at banner) and I started not to wean myself off nicotine, I did it to stop putting nicotine into my body via a less harmful method than smoking. Vaping also gives me pleasure, if you will. I enjoy the taste of different juices, and the hobby aspect of it really appeals to my inner geek. I love tinkering with coils and wicks and shiny bits. It satisfies me on an emotional level that smoking never did.
When I started vaping I didn't have a plan beyond "I'm not going to smoke any more cigarettes".
I still don't have a timeline to cut back my nicotine. I started at 24mg liquids, and that's pretty much what I still vape (although I've ordered from a few vendors that don't offer 24mg, and I have some 6mg liquids that I use mostly for dripping).
Will it happen? Both possible and probable. But for the time being, I'm just simply thrilled that I'm not lighting up any more cigarettes.