Has anyone completely quit?

[overture]

I haven't smoked an analog for five days, but I don't like to say that I've completely quit smoking, for psychological reasons.

It was the same when I was smoking all the time...I wouldn't feel the urge for a cigarette for hours, but as soon as I smoked my last one, I HAD to run out and get a new pack right away...there was something about not having any that sent me into a mini-panic.

The truth is, I kind of figure I'll smoke an analog again at some point, so I won't beat myself up about it when I do. But right now, and I can definitely say it's because of my PV, my desire to have another analog-free day is stronger than my desire for a cigarette.

 

[Vini]

... but I don't like to say that I've completely quit smoking, for psychological reasons. ...

Same here.
When I make a decision to quit, my organism starts going nuts and I need to chain smoke 2-3 analogs to calm down.

I have 2 packs of analogs - I can't stop thinking about cigarettes if I don't have them close. However, I keep analogs in the car - it helps. Far enough to make it easier to settle for a vapor. But close enough to avoid panic attack.

 

[overture]

One thing that is still bothering me...I still catch myself "reaching" toward the coffee table for the real thing, even after I've just vaped for 15 minutes straight. It's like "okay, that was fun...where are my cigarettes?"

That part will just take some time I guess.

 

[overture]

I'm not sure how common this is, and it's one reason it was difficult for me to even think about quitting analogs cold turkey, but one of my biggest triggers is using cigarettes as a kind of bookmark in my day.

I would have a cigarette to mark the portion of my day between waking up and going to work, the time I spent driving or riding my bike to and from work, the break at work every couple of hours, or the 10 minutes I spent walking around campus between classes, etc.

So I get the urge to mark vaping sessions with a cigarette =/

 

[SimpleSins]

I'm not sure how common this is, and it's one reason it was difficult for me to even think about quitting analogs cold turkey, but one of my biggest triggers is using cigarettes as a kind of bookmark in my day.

I'm the exact same way. While I wouldn't exactly call them a sorbet-like palate cleanser, I used them to break apart the different tasks much like you did. I'll smoke a cigarette, and then I'll do dishes. I'll smoke a cigarette, and then I'll go get the clothes out of the dryer. I even have to re-learn cooking broiling a steak because I had it down to a science on how much of a cigarette I could smoke until it was time to turn it.

So now I'm back to my natural state of totally oblivious. The dogs don't seem to mind (although I suspect they're probably going through a bit of nicotine withdrawal their own little canine selves), so I guess I'll just have to start using a kitchen timer.

 

[kadjd]

I did. It was about two years ago and I had already gone 5 days without a cigarette, so the physical withdrawal was done. When I got the ecig I ordered I used it only with no nic juice and that worked for the physical withdrawal. I was on this board every day for about three months, then for about six months I didn't vape or smoke, but did gain weight, so I am vaping again to keep myself from eating and honestly haven't had a nicotine craving that the vaping didn't suffice for.

 

[DC2]

I would have a cigarette to mark the portion of my day between waking up and going to work, the time I spent driving or riding my bike to and from work, the break at work every couple of hours, or the 10 minutes I spent walking around campus between classes, etc.

That was kind of a problem for me too.

The way I fixed that was I started dripping.
That kind of makes it almost like taking a smoke break.

 

[CaptJay]

Quit smoking 10 days after PV arrived (thats 7 months ago now) and on 12mg nic - so far no plans to quit vaping - with 0 nic liquids available I dont see the point of giving it up right now lol . This might change of course but as of now, I'm sorted

 

[Broseybrose]

I havent completely quit yet because im not really trying to. I just enjoy vaping more than i do smoking. Ive only been doing this for 5 weeks and from the very first day i havent smoked more than 6 cigarettes. I average maybe 3-4. Thats coming from 30+ cigarettes a day. Im already happy with the results.

But i do envision a day in the near future when cigarettes will be history for me. Cause i like vaping more.

 

[Poeia]

You're putting too much pressure on yourself. Part of the reason you are going nuts when you even think you are smoking your last cigarette is because your subconscious knows that your plans are "Step 1: quit analogs; Step 2: quit nicotine; Step 3: quit vaping."

Take it easier -- Step 1: Vape. Whatever cigarettes you don't smoke is a positive step for your body.

You might be one of those people who needs to add smokeless tobacco in order to reduce your cravings. It may take months before you're ready to give up those last couple of cigarettes a day. You're still doing better than you were before.

As far as getting rid of the nicotine, don't push yourself there either. I quit smoking very easily (5 days of vaping and smoking then I stopped). I started vaping at 24mg then went down to 12mg. I decided I would try to work my way down to nicotine free before the end of the year.

As it happened, I got the flu followed by pneumonia in June. I vaped so little for 2 weeks that I decided I might as well go nic-free six months ahead of schedule. It was fine for almost a month. Then I started getting really strong cigarette cravings. I hadn't had (or wanted) a cigarette in about 6 months but I wanted one then. So I added a little nicotine back into my life. I vape at 6mg for the first part of the day and, if my body approves, I go back to zero at around dinner time.

It may not be a perfect solution but who said we have to be perfect? I haven't had a cigarette in almost 8 months. I'm healthier than I have been in years. As far as I'm concerned, that's a success story.

 

[lmrasch]

Bravo to all of you! This forum is so encouraging...I love the psychology of this whole adventure. From a 30 pr day habit to 8 days analog free. The first week, I averaged 3 pr day and tho I do crave an analog every once in a while, I know that I could go have one if I wished and then just don't, lol! So far that's working for me...I will NOT beat myself up if I end up having one...I will continue to vape, slowly cutting the nicotine to 0 until I no longer crave the hand to mouth habit...but if I never lose that habit, at least I know I'm choosing a healthier alternative.

 

[CaptJay]

Imrasch thats exactly how I was and still am - cigarettes are NOT taboo to me - nor will they be. If the craving is that strong, I jsut have one. I get through about 4 puffs before I feel too sick to continue - it also reinforces my vaping habit.
Ive seen what happens to people on diets who deny themselves treats - what happens? Treats is all they crave.
The mind is a funny ole thing

 

[what the hell]

I just started vaping 2 weeks ago. The first e-cig I got was a generic 510. The pre-filled carts had little to no flavor and didn't hold much juice. That got me from a PAD to 1/2 PAD. Last week I got my eGo and some good flavored juice and I really didn't want a cig but allowed myself 1 for the morning or whenever I had a really strong craving. I had my wife hide the pack on me so they were out of my sight. If I really needed one I would have her get one for me. After a couple of days I didn't want to have any.

I keep some high (30-36mg) nic juice on hand for when I feel I need a cig. I just vape that until the craving goes away. I smoked a cig the other night and it tasted like crap.

That's what has worked for me. Take it at your own pace and don't deny yourself a smoke if you really need to have one. Like CaptJay said .. If you deny yourself that is all you are going to crave.

 

[Dmcafee]

I quit the first day I started vaping. Simply because I smoked the last analog in the house and refused to buy anymore. The first night was a little tuff. I was ready to set up an IV with the vap juice or drink the stuff. But I kept on vaping and the next day was over the urge for an analog. I haven't had one since, but then, I haven't been around any smokers either. Not sure how I will react when that happens. Good luck and stick with it. Don't stress and don't worry about quitting. I am down to 18mil on my nic count and figure next month I will go down further. One day my goal is to be nic free. But I'm not going to rush it.

 

[Vini]

Thanks everyone for support.


Special thanks to Poeia, you are right, my subconscious is getting to smart , I'm working my ways to outsmart myself... lol

You're putting too much pressure on yourself. Part of the reason you are going nuts when you even think you are smoking your last cigarette is because your subconscious knows that your plans are "Step 1: quit analogs; Step 2: quit nicotine; Step 3: quit vaping."

Take it easier -- Step 1: Vape. Whatever cigarettes you don't smoke is a positive step for your body.

You might be one of those people who needs to add smokeless tobacco in order to reduce your cravings. It may take months before you're ready to give up those last couple of cigarettes a day. You're still doing better than you were before.

As far as getting rid of the nicotine, don't push yourself there either. I quit smoking very easily (5 days of vaping and smoking then I stopped). I started vaping at 24mg then went down to 12mg. I decided I would try to work my way down to nicotine free before the end of the year.

As it happened, I got the flu followed by pneumonia in June. I vaped so little for 2 weeks that I decided I might as well go nic-free six months ahead of schedule. It was fine for almost a month. Then I started getting really strong cigarette cravings. I hadn't had (or wanted) a cigarette in about 6 months but I wanted one then. So I added a little nicotine back into my life. I vape at 6mg for the first part of the day and, if my body approves, I go back to zero at around dinner time.

It may not be a perfect solution but who said we have to be perfect? I haven't had a cigarette in almost 8 months. I'm healthier than I have been in years. As far as I'm concerned, that's a success story.

 

[antihero]

the transition from a pack a day to the only smoking when i drink was one of the hardest things I've had to do. But after making that change, the transition to vaping has been overwhelmingly pleasurable. now i smoke an analog whenever I want to, and That my friends is a Big deal for me.

on a related side note: just came down to Havasu for the weekend but i decided to leave my eGo back home, went thru a pack of the old newports the first night after vaping a week and a half straight. boy did my body punish me the morning after. lol

 

[D4rk50ul]

There are a lot of people who quit once they got their PV like me, but that doesn't mean its required. Think of it this way.. everytime you vape instead of smoke you are doing your body a favor. Even if its only 2 out of your 20 cigarettes a day. If you start to change that figure to 4 then 6 then 12 you are working in the right direction. If you put the expectation that its all or nothing on yourself, you are almost planning to fail.

Be aware the device, your technique, and the juice will all play a big role in how easy it is to quit for you. It also helps to have support from a fellow vaper, so convert someone so you can share success together.

 

[Tooter]

Ive only had my (x3)joye ego's with egoxl attys for 4 days mate, I smoked 35-40 a day of 12mg tobacco. the 2nd day I was trying some doublers that had no nic in them at all, because i was diggin the taste so much and the experience of puffy smoke, 6 hours went by before I even thought about some nic juice. for the last two days Ive been experimenting with my own PG VG and doubler mixes at aroun 20- 24 Mg and they are the bomb, special mention to the Juicewhore's (aussie supplier) Bananas Foster with a beer!
2nd day i ran out of batts coz i hadnt charged them from factory, I had 3 cigs in 2 hours, I hated the taste and smell immeaditely, couldnt wait for the batt to charge!
Went to my Mums house yesterday and couldnt believe the smell of cigarettes in her house, yuk, lol, sound like one of those toffee nosed ex smokers.
Still got half a pack of cigs here if anyone wants em

 

[HeatherC]

I was one of the lucky ones who was able to go analog free the day I got my first PV kit which was a DSE 901. This past monday I upgraded my PV to an ego... BUT I downgraded my nicotine to 18 mgs.. I had been using 36mg to start then cut that to 24. I'm considering another cut too!! More vapor with the ego seems to be too much at 18mg nic. But I'd never actually PLANNED to quit and I still am not sure if I ever want to quit vaping. AND just as a side note... My psychologist has told me that the real danger of smoking is all the OTHER stuff that's in them and the carbon monoxide and tar. He says that nicotine by itself is really about as dangerous as caffeine is. SOO I really don't care right now... I'm better off than I was... and seem to keep getting better as time goes on. GL with your adventure and I agree.... Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Deadlines are scary!

 

[Optimal]

I just naturally seemed to drop from 25-30 roll-ups a day to about 3 pretty much immediately when I started vaping.

Three months on and I still smoke 2-3 a day. It doesn't bother me at all and I haven't made any effort to cut down further; I'm just pleased that I could cut down that much without even trying.

A year ago I remember talking with a smoker who managed to cut down to four a day, and thinking that for me such a reduction would be nearly impossible.