Do e-cigs help you quit smoking?

[The Wiz]

I would guess there is a sizable percentage of vapers who have reduced
their smoking from a pack-a-day to 1-3 cigarettes ... Their comfort zone.
Many in this category will never 100% quit. But should be recognized in
studies.

There are a number of variables which should be considered in studies.

E-cigarettes are indeed an alternative which have helped many quit smoking entirely.

I know quite a few people who still smoke and vape. vaping has helped them considerably cut back on smoking,but they still have the urger to smoke. That 30% figure could indeed be accurate. I still have trouble understanding why someone cannot quit completely using e-cigs like I have(as well as several others who have posted in this thread.) I still believe that the new users who revert back to smoking are not using the right product as well as giving full effort needed to quit smoking.

I guess I am one of the fortunate ones who were able to transition without any setbacks! I thank my lucky stars everyday for these battery powered marvels! 3&1/2 years and going strong,and I have never felt better!

Wiz!

 

[Petrodus]

The bottom line is e-cigs are not for everyone.

I agree that many went back to smoking because they tried a low quality
PV and it didn't work for them.

My sister is one of those who has tried everything from a 510 to a MOD
and went back to smoking.

There are several variables ... One is a "burning desire" to quit smoking ...
another is the choice of e-cigs. There are several other variables.

We are all the same but some are different.

 

[Myk]

The bottom line is e-cigs are not for everyone.

I agree that many went back to smoking because they tried a low quality
PV and it didn't work for them.

My sister is one of those who has tried everything from a 510 to a MOD
and went back to smoking.

There are several variables ... One is a "burning desire" to quit smoking ...
another is the choice of e-cigs. There are several other variables.

We are all the same but some are different.

The "burning desire", somewhat. There is another study that is in the process of being expanded that had an amazing percentage of smokers who weren't intending to quit do so when handed an e-cig.
But I'm sorry, I don't remember if I heard that at a CASAA meeting or on YT or somewhere else.

I do know that while I was intent on quitting I didn't mean to do it when I did. I was just trying out some new liquids in my old e-cigs. That accidental day lead to me buying a new model sooner than I planned.

 

[The Wiz]

The bottom line is e-cigs are not for everyone.

I agree that many went back to smoking because they tried a low quality
PV and it didn't work for them.

My sister is one of those who has tried everything from a 510 to a MOD
and went back to smoking.

There are several variables ... One is a "burning desire" to quit smoking ...
another is the choice of e-cigs. There are several other variables.

We are all the same but some are different.

I think that is the "Bottom Line" Petro! Most of the people who I know that have tried e-cigs were not ready to "get their minds right". I think many people new to e-cigs still see them as a novalty and end up deciding they like smoking better. I also think there is the "Lazyness factor" involved when it comes down to having to order online as opposed to hitting the local gas station or 7-11. I can't count how many people I know who started wanted to use ME as a supplier instead of researching and buying their own gear and juice. I only worry about my "Own" addiction!

I still see the e-cig and the best substitution for smoking.......but I did have that burning desire to quit! Breathing is fun!

Wiz!

 

[The Wiz]

The "burning desire", somewhat. There is another study that is in the process of being expanded that had an amazing percentage of smokers who weren't intending to quit do so when handed an e-cig.
But I'm sorry, I don't remember if I heard that at a CASAA meeting or on YT or somewhere else.

I do know that while I was intent on quitting I didn't mean to do it when I did. I was just trying out some new liquids in my old e-cigs. That accidental day lead to me buying a new model sooner than I planned.

Not sure how amazing that percentage is Myk.......but I guess if just one person quits when handed an e-cig that we're still looking at a product that works! I still think that the better the product that one initially tries the better chance of success in the long run. Lord knows I struggled until I discoverd HV vaping.

Wiz!

 

[DC2]

The "burning desire", somewhat. There is another study that is in the process of being expanded that had an amazing percentage of smokers who weren't intending to quit do so when handed an e-cig.
But I'm sorry, I don't remember if I heard that at a CASAA meeting or on YT or somewhere else.

http://www.electroniccigarettedirec...latest-good-news-about-electronic-cigarettes/

University of Catania’s Ricardo Polosa led a team of researchers who recruited 40 smokers willing to take part in the study. These were not your average smokers either, by the way. These were “hard-core” tobacco users who had made it quite clear they had no intention of quitting smoking. In fact, other reports regarding the study allege that these 40 individuals were chosen because they turned down offers to join other smoking cessation projects designed to help them quit.

Not surprisingly, the study concluded that more than 50% of the participants reduced their tobacco consumption by at least half, after six months of using an e-cigarette. Furthermore 25% of the group had completely eliminated tobacco use altogether. Yet what’s most fascinating about the study is how the researchers went about it. Instead of setting up a tightly controlled clinical process, they simply gave electronic cigarettes to the 40 participants and let them go. They then checked back with them six months later to verify their tobacco usage.

 

[ThunderT]

I've seen on a few vendor websites something to the effect of "Not intended as a quit smoking device" though I haven't had an analog is about 6 weeks, the day I tried my first e-cig.

 

[Myk]

I've seen on a few vendor websites something to the effect of "Not intended as a quit smoking device" though I haven't had an analog is about 6 weeks, the day I tried my first e-cig.

That's because of the stupid FDA rules. If you claim it might help someone quit they want to make it a drug.
I guess if you tell someone sucking hard candy could help them quit Lifesavers could become a drug device that has to go through testing.

 

[Myk]

http://www.electroniccigarettedirec...latest-good-news-about-electronic-cigarettes/

Thank you. My memory had it low, I was thinking 20%.
I'd say working on 25% of people who don't want to quit is an amazing number. Especially when you consider the "approved" cessation devices are only at 7% and 20% with people who want to quit, and I think the one with the 20% number comes with a 4% risk of suicide (they probably include those people in with the ones who quit ).

 

[DC2]

I'd say working on 25% of people who don't want to quit is an amazing number.

And I would assume these people had cigarette-sized models, no support system, and probably very little guidance.

 

[CapitalPuff]

Has anyone gone back to read the comments on the Ellen Hahn article... I think there is one out of seventy-eight that actually support her. It's very inspiring to read everyone's responses

 

[Myk]

Has anyone gone back to read the comments on the Ellen Hahn article... I think there is one out of seventy-eight that actually support her. It's very inspiring to read everyone's responses

I can't make one without outright calling her a quack and a scam artist.
But way to go Konstantinos. Watch out, the more doctors that pick up e-cigs the more people like her are going to fade away and people will start drawing the conclusions of the people like her are doing nothing but protecting their major donors.

 

[Petrodus]

If a smoker was told that IF he/she smoked 1 more cigarette ...
they would immediately die ... I suggest few would even think
about having 1 more cigarette.

That's an extreme example of a "Burning Desire"
Another example is "I'm done ...Never ever ever going to smoke
again (period)" ... I'm going to e-smoke from now on.

E-cigarettes are an alternative to allow us smokers to continue
to smoke (e-smoke) and cut-back or give up cigarettes.

Lets not fool ourselves ... Many have quit cold-turkey and never
returned to smoking. E-cigs is just an easier way of cutting back
or stop smoking cigarettes because it offers us the opportunity
to continue the enjoyable smoking habit.

 

[JENerationX]

Especially when you consider the "approved" cessation devices are only at 7% and 20% with people who want to quit, and I think the one with the 20% number comes with a 4% risk of suicide (they probably include those people in with the ones who quit ).

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA......... Too funny. I bet they do too.

 

[Coffeeroasters]

What CASAA really needs is many more vapers to join and financially support CASAA. The majority of vapers don't appear to be interested if vaping is banned or not.

Agreed. I am both a member and a monthly contributor to CASAA. I think we all should be! As much as we all spend on juice, mods, etc., we should be able to throw a few bucks their way.

I have been a member of CASAA and after reading these two comments I can proudly say I am now a monthly contributor!

Everyone should be able to do this.....how about donating what you would have spent for 1 pack of analogs per month to CASAA.

 

[kristin]

If a smoker was told that IF he/she smoked 1 more cigarette ...
they would immediately die ... I suggest few would even think
about having 1 more cigarette.

That's an extreme example of a "Burning Desire"
Another example is "I'm done ...Never ever ever going to smoke
again (period)" ... I'm going to e-smoke from now on.

E-cigarettes are an alternative to allow us smokers to continue
to smoke (e-smoke) and cut-back or give up cigarettes.

Lets not fool ourselves ... Many have quit cold-turkey and never
returned to smoking. E-cigs is just an easier way of cutting back
or stop smoking cigarettes because it offers us the opportunity
to continue the enjoyable smoking habit.

(Petrodus - my comments below are using your comment as a starting point - this is not directed specifically at you.)

Have you ever noticed that the advice given by ANTZ and health groups is "For smoker who want to quit, use FDA-approved products?" The key words are "want to quit." They don't even bother anymore for the "lost causes" who have no intention of quitting. They always claim that 3/4 of smokers "want to quit" but they never bother to find out if those who express the desire to "quit" would really rather not, but just do not want to die. That may be a huge reason for why so many smokers who "want to quit" never even make the attempt or fail if they try.

Think of it in terms of VD or AIDS. Most people don't want to get those diseases, but they don't really want to give up sex, either. If health groups had convinced the world that the only way to avoid those diseases and the certainty of dying was complete abstinence (rather than the policy they actually took - harm reduction,) how many people would say they "want" to remain abstinent, simply meaning they want to live? How many people would succumb to social pressure of giving up something they enjoy rather than being made a pariah for their reckless and dangerous behavior of continuing to have sex?

Smokers have been socially pressured into giving up something many, if not most, enjoy and made to feel shame for admitting they enjoy it and would rather not quit. But they don't want to die, either. Yet instead of promoting harm reduction for those people, the health groups have lied to them and said their only choice is tobacco/nicotine abstinence or death. Consequently, the public believes tobacco/nicotine users are reckless and fools to even consider using any kind of tobacco or nicotine, regardless of the true risks.

It'd be like telling people using condoms instead of abstinence that condoms aren't a guarantee against disease and using them could lead to reckless behavior like NOT using one or that it could break, so they need to give up sex or die. Condoms are not a safe alternative. They would have basically told people who still want to have sex that it doesn't matter if they use a condom or not. The public and health groups today would see that as something ridiculous and unethical to say, yet it is exactly what they are telling people who want/need to use tobacco/nicotine.

There are millions of smoke-free tobacco users and e-cig users who still feel pressure and guilt to give up something that is low risk and that they enjoy because of the "quit or die trying" mantra of the ANTZ. You are not a bad person because you enjoy or need nicotine or the activity of "smoking." The people would have you believe that your "addiction" is somehow a testament to your lower moral character are hypocrites who most certainly have their own, socially accepted "crutch." Don't let them get to you.

 

[Petrodus]

Hi Kristin ... Good Post

Unlike you who go head-to-head with groups opposing harm control ...
I'm just one of those vapers who enjoy vaping everywhere I go.
Been vaping in public for years ... I've blown huge vapor clouds at times
just to see if anyone would have the nerve to tell me I shouldn't or tell
me about the risks of vaping.

I can't even pick a fight when I try to.
Guess I'm just an ole Viet-Nam vet with a Type A personality
and the the public is good at reading my body language.

Maybe its because (in part) I live in St. Louis where people aren't
afraid of smokers or e-cigs ... I don't know. But would really enjoy
having a face-to-face with an "ANTZ in the Wild" ... Not to try an
educate one of them because that's not possible ... but just to have
fun and play. They wouldn't want to play their games with me.

 

[TennDave]

kritsin, I really like the parallel between AIDS and E-CIG use!!
Great ideas for sure. Abstinence or Die vs Condoms and Abstinence or Die vs Tobacco Harm Reduction (e-cigs, snus, etc.).
Great points and very logical in terms of how they relate. It certainly hits the moral aspect too. Our problem w/ e-cigs is that they are also visible to the public. Unfortunately for us, we our visible too and thus a target- it is difficult for many to accept our "addiction," and it could also "harm the children." It is easier for folks like the ANTZ to accept the condom approach because these "degenerates who enjoy sex" are somewhere tucked away and out of sight. I'm not sure how we make things more parallel. I suppose that if we really had an AIDS epidermic in this country- one that was talked about on the news every night, then more people would take notice. Unfortunately, the news about cigarette smoking killing 400K+ people every years is not talked about much anymore either- it is sort of passe, it seems- after all the media has the country convinced that through NRT products, a whole lot of people have quit smoking. To add to that, the 20% or so who remain to be smokers are not allowed to smoke in enclosed areas or even much in public at all- giving the general public the impression that smoking over-all has been greatly reduced, if not eradicated. So, the general public, similar to AIDS doesn't see that anything tobacco related at all is of much consequence. Just my opinion.... Sorry it seems so cynical. I suppose if smokers and them dying were characterized as horrible, extremely serious and rampant, things would be different. Certainly those who have seen family and friends lost through cancer could attest to this- I just don't even hear about that much recently.

Your train of thought on this subject and mine as well, interjected with others' opinions could certainly get some good conversation and possibly new directions going in regards to "harm reduction," so I would welcome more comments and discussion regarding this.

 

[Myk]

I think they make condoms look like balloons to attract children. Everyone knows adults don't like balloons.

 

[Vocalek]

I think they make condoms look like balloons to attract children. Everyone knows adults don't like balloons.

And they even make them in pretty colors as well as flavors that are appealing to children.