How do you actually NOT get back?

[kweni16]

That's my problem. I've been a member here for quite some time and I disappeared. Why? Well, I went back to smoking analog.
It sucks I know. I don't want it anymore. But every time I quit I keep finding myself going back to analogs. How the hell do I not go back to that road?

I posted recently on my blog, the entry entitled Trying to Quit Smoking...Again! that I have went back to vaping and yes it helped. But for how long? How long can I keep this up again?

All your advise through comments on my blog or on here will be very much appreciated. I want to COMPLETELY eradicate smoking from my life.

 

[xxJollyRogerxx]

Well I am new and i haven't been vaping all that long (just over 2 months now) but it has been 1 full month of no analogs; I don't see me going back as long as i can charge my battery. A friend told me to ditch all the tobacco flavored juices and to use a higher strength in the beginning. Which i did and it work for me. I use mainly fruit, candy, and drink flavors at the moment. I haven't really found any food flavors i like that much but then there are 100s i haven't tried yet. Anyway, what i found was that after only doing what i liked that the analogs tasted so bad i couldn't even finish one off. I have dropped down to 12mg juice and only use what i like minus any tobacco flavors and it is working for me. I had been smoking for over 30 years. I still find it amazing that i can say that now "HAD been". So maybe keep some potent stuff (18+mg) on hand when the urge hits. I had a serious craving attack last weekend. I almost got into the car and drove to buy a pack but then I grabbed some 18mg Pina Colada went outside by myself for a bit and i think i sucked down over half the tank! Also, i found that the equipment does matter; to me anyway. I had a little 650 Ego and found that difficult to use in the beginning then i got a 1000 mah pass-through to run around with during the day and eVic for when i get home. I guess like most now I am already rebuilding coils and my first order for DIY juice with about 13 flavors will be here tomorrow.
Hang in there it can and does work!

 

[jsparker77]

I'm in the same boat. I started vaping 4 1/2 years ago and was doing great. I loved vaping and I was ecstatic that I was off the cigarettes. 3 months in, though, and I started smoking again and continued for 4 more years. I just recently started vaping again. I was sick of the smell and the dirty ash trays and the taste. I'm worried, though, that I'll fall again. When I vaped the first time I was using 510's and it was a mess with refilling the liquid, they always leaked where the tip met the atomizer, the hits were inconsistent, and the batteries lasted a few hours if I was lucky. Now I have a tank system and none of those problems exist. So my hope is the the new improved technology will be a big help in sticking with it this time, plus I seem to enjoy it more. I find the community here helps a lot too. Everybody who smoked is or has gone through the same or similar stuff and a lot of them made it through to the other side. It seems easy to me right now. I quit the day I got my new e-cig and the cravings have diminished drastically, but I know from past experience that they will be back and they will push hard to be noticed and satisfied. My mission is to push back harder. We'll see how that goes in time, but I'm trying to start out optimistic while still keeping the realities in mind.

 

[RosaJ]

When I started vaping I promised myself I would smoke at least 1 cigarette a day. The first couple of days I smoked 3 to 4 cigarettes then a week after I realized I hadn't smoked at all the previous day and the rest is history. I quit smoking 2 years ago.

I know that if I had stopped smoking altogether in the beginning I would have felt deprived and would have given up. Don't limit yourself to one or the other, keep lighting a cigarette even if you're vaping. After all it is about tobacco harm reduction and not quitting smoking. So the cigarettes you don't smoke are the ones you should be looking at and not the ones you do. Just because you smoke a cigarette, keep on vaping.

If you're like me and many others, you'll light a cigarette one day and gag. If not, then it's ok to smoke and vape. Good luck, just enjoy whatever it is you're doing.

 

[kweni16]

Well so far today I have smoked 1 stick then vaped for the rest of the day. My pack so far has been with me for a week which is actually surprising because I can finish the whole thing in less than a day. I'm enjoying smoking analogs less and less yet I still get the urge to do so. Personally, I can only handle a maximum of 6mg nic in juices and when I try to vape something higher than that I cough like a donkey with asthma. It's weird I know because analogs have a higher nic content. But anyway, thank you guys for the support and advise and I will surely keep everyone updated.

 

[CreepyLady]

Kweni, the low nic may be why you are struggling. You have to change your inhalation methods a little when vaping, http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/337017-inhalation-technique-e-cigarette.html. Short version- inhale to your mouth and then lung inhale and try slower gentler longer pulls.

You can also try a higher or all VG liquid if you still find it harsh after adjusting your inhalation. Most folks, in the beginning, need 12 or ^ in order to remain off the smokes.

Hope this helps you some...also Rosaj is spot on about not letting yourself feel deprived- the moment you get to that feeling of deprivation everything is harder.

 

[jstjoehere]

Rule number 1 when your ready to quit smoking. THROW EM AWAY get them out of your house so your not tempted. Rule2 Get the right juice and equipment to satisfy your needs. Seriously if your not getting what you need from vaping you will go back every time. First set up for vaping I got didnt give me what I needed and I was going nuts. I bought and aerotank and a vision spinner 2. I use single coils in my aerotank. What are you missing from smoking? I missed throat hit and taste when I started. I switched to a different pg/vg mix juice and use 18mg nicotine. If you cant satisfy your cravings its hard not to use analogs. There are so many different products out there to give you what you need. Good luck

 

[CabinetGuyScott]

First, and foremost to the entire concept of what vaping represents to smokers: Celebrate every cigarette NOT SMOKED

From what I've learned so far, there are 2 schools of thought & experience when it comes to quitting:

1. Work up the proper level of will power and do it.
2. Let it happen - when all the "pieces" align, you'll find you have quit.
   Aka, Accidentally quit

The stories of unintentional or accidentally quitting smoking are legion. And mine is one of those.

The bottom line is that when you find the right combination of all the *variables, and with some concerted effort, you'll recognize that it's okay to be done with smoking, and to feel it's okay to call yourself an ex-smoker.

For some people that moment is when they take the first hit of vape.

For others, it could be weeks, months or even years to go 100% smoke-free.

*Variables:

• Equipment / hardware
• Nicotine levels
• Flavors
• Mental readiness
• and some others that I'm thinking of at the moment.

But in the meantime,

• don't be hard on yourself & set unrealistic expectations
• continue your path of learning and experience & experimentation
• and always...

Celebrate every cigarette NOT SMOKED

 

[mistike]

Rule number 1 when your ready to quit smoking. THROW EM AWAY get them out of your house so your not tempted.

I actually don't agree with that. Shows how we're all different. Having some analogs on hand helped me at first. It was like those super-restrictive diets. I didn't want to ban analogs completely - they would have just become holy grails. Having them and allowing myself to smoke one if I really really wanted it AND vaping didn't cut it, really helped. I found that vaping would cut it most of the times, and after a few days I was surprised that I didn't crave analogs anymore. I just craved smoking, and vaping was covering that.

Maybe making them harder to reach would help, though. Like, keeping the pack in your car. Or giving it to someone in your house you would have to negociate with in order for them to give you one. Make it a hassle to get an analog, and make it easy to vape (keep your mod within reach).

Now, OP, what is it that you miss so much about them that vaping doesn't cover ? You need to understand that in order to correct it.

Have you tried vaping first whenever you want an analog ? Giving you a few minutes to vape and see if you still want it too much to resist it ? I did that, made a deal with myself, and it worked.

If it's nicotine and you can't stand higher nic juices, you should try different PG/VG mixes. Coughing can be due to either of these, or too much nicotine. You'll have to experiment (No need to buy a thousand bottles, just go to a B&M store and ask to try different juices with different PG/VG%).

If you really really can't find that... use 7mg nic patches for a while.

 

[edyle]

That's my problem. I've been a member here for quite some time and I disappeared. Why? Well, I went back to smoking analog.
It sucks I know. I don't want it anymore. But every time I quit I keep finding myself going back to analogs. How the hell do I not go back to that road?

I posted recently on my blog, the entry entitled Trying to Quit Smoking...Again! that I have went back to vaping and yes it helped. But for how long? How long can I keep this up again?

All your advise through comments on my blog or on here will be very much appreciated. I want to COMPLETELY eradicate smoking from my life.

You need a cigalike disposable that you can fall back on.

 

[Lurch]

I read a lot of comments about the "terrible threes!" Three days, three months, three years, as tough spots in their transitions. I was lucky, I stopped smoking on the third day after starting to vape and haven't had any desire to go back. I am at the point that when my wife has a smoke, I avoid her for a few minutes! I don't like the smell at all.

Based on your second post, you are making progress! Keep it up! I hope you can find your "happy place" as it regards vaping. Another recommendation that helped me, change juices regularly. I vape basically four different juices during the day. I make the change in juices in connection with "smoking triggers" that I used to experience (first thing in morning, after a meal, after some activity that would previously result in a smoke).

Again, welcome and good luck!

 

[kweni16]

I tried completely eliminating the devil before and it failed. I threw lighters, ashtrays, empty and non-empty packs. The fact that I'm not seeing them around drove me even crazier and made me want it even more. I know it's weird, that this time, I left everything as it is. It didn't make me crave as much as I used to. I see it around and ignore it when I vape. Maybe falling in for a stick or two but it's nothing compared to the way I smoked before. So this time I'm not giving much attention into "cleaning up".

I'll try to get my hands on higher nic juices this weekend and hope it works. All your tips and advises are noted thank you so much everyone!

 

[kweni16]

OMG I can't believe I could do it! I was able to not smoke for a whole day! Hurray for me! It's already the 29th here so yup it's official! My first day of no analogs! Woohoo!

 

[Uma]

Don't beat yourself up. You are an individual with unique individual needs is all. Perhaps some Swedish Snus, or nicotine gum, or WTA, or the old rubber band snap trick might help? Many people cave in during times of stress, but at least with vaping, we realize how much we miss not smoking, smelling, coughing, and paying the TC to bully, and we miss it enough to go back to it. Missing our alternative more than the real smokes. Whodathunkit! Good luck, treat yourself to a new flavor or mod or kayfun lite v3 ephro, or dinner and a movie. Celebrate the fact that you really do miss vaping. Good vibes!

 

[kweni16]

Yup stress factors really do affect you. I almost lit up a stick when I had a fight with my bf so I just grabbed my mod right away and vaped. Then eventually it took my mind off of smoking.

 

[Alžběta Madragana]

Kweni16, I believe you can do this.
My story (short version) - I smoked pipes, cigars and cigarettes from various countries around the world - mostly Europe, although I did a few Saudi and Russian ciggies too.
After smoking heavily (2-3 packs a day) for 20 years, the time came for me to quit. That, or die from smoking-related lung problems.
First time I tried vaping, I didn't get much satisfaction from it. I think it was coz nobody was using VG e-liquid at that time; all we had was PG e-liquids.
Went back to smoking ciggies for 3 months. Health continued getting worse.
So back to vaping I went.
I discovered a modd called 'Genisis' - reading about it here on ECF.
So I made one. It really wasn't that difficult. However, you're probably not into making your own right now, but there are many Rebuildable Atomizers (that's what they're called nowadays) for sale at a pretty reasonable price.
I like lots of vapour, because to me, that's what smoking is all about.
VG made that happen for me.
That was 3 1/2 years ago. Gradually, over a few months of vaping and no tobacco usage, I realized that vaping was my new habit and being around smokers and all that no longer bothered me, nor tempted me.
I had tried about every trick in the book to stop smoking.. and failed every time.
Vaping saved me. Just for a 'backup', I did have 6 cartons of smokes in my house, but I put them away into a closet where I would not see them. I forgot all about them being there after about a week, and one day I was cleaning out my closet and happened across them again..
That was 6 months into vaping.
I got rid of the 6 cartons of smokes right away, because I despised them.
You must do whatever you feel is right to stop smoking and embrace vaping.
It will work for you!
Believe me.
All the best to you.

 

[PrimeKB]

Well so far today I have smoked 1 stick then vaped for the rest of the day. My pack so far has been with me for a week which is actually surprising because I can finish the whole thing in less than a day. I'm enjoying smoking analogs less and less yet I still get the urge to do so. Personally, I can only handle a maximum of 6mg nic in juices and when I try to vape something higher than that I cough like a donkey with asthma. It's weird I know because analogs have a higher nic content. But anyway, thank you guys for the support and advise and I will surely keep everyone updated.

I had this problem at first, and it does take getting your throat used to the nicotine a little bit. Took me about 2 days of vaping to get used to.

Also, don't lung hit it. That will definitely irritate your throat a lot more. Draw it slowly into your mouth first, then once you pull the PV away from your lips, then inhale. Just like a cigarette. I promise it will be much easier on your throat.

I started with 24mg, which I've found to be too strong for me, so I moved it down to 18mg and I've been there since. Try getting a stronger nicotine, practice different inhale techniques, and see what works for you.

If it's still irritating your throat, try to get a higher VG juice. PG is responsible for the throat hit, and it causes everyone to react differently.

 

[patkin]

Make a deal with yourself. Every time you want a smoke you'll be required to vape for 5 minutes first. Then up that to 10 minutes and, finally, 15 minutes. At each of those levels, if you still want to smoke after the alloted time, have at it but don't smoke the whole thing. Just satisfy whatever need it is you have for the smoke and put it out. And the next time you smoke, you have to relight that one until its finished. I went from 5 or 6 a day to one but lit the same one 5 or 6 times. Everyone has their own method but this is what worked for me. Additionally... I never told myself I was quitting smoking... that would spell downfall for me. I only told myself I was going to vape. I went through the transition period under some mighty stressful life events and knew stress was my smoke trigger so I just didn't demand quitting of myself which would just add more stress. Like most here have said... count the ones you don't smoke and celebrate your progress. As for getting rid of temptation, wouldn't ever work for me... temptation is in my head, not in the cabinet or fridge. Just knowing those two didn't contain any smokes would send me into panic mode and I would be in the car headed to the store to get some... THAT's dangerous... I would probably smoke a whole pack on the way home.... nope, there's a carton in the fridge and comforts me knowing its there.

 

[TyPie]

Here is exactly what worked for me:

1.) Started on a Blu-Cig on a whim.
2.) Found a couple of flavors that I liked. As soon as I found these, I think it was a big part of the battle.
3.) Start with a higher nicotine content
4.) Then, whenever I had an urge for a cigarette, I would simply vape heavily, which absolutely killed any urge for cigarettes. And I mean KILLED it completely. In my opinion, this is the key in the beginning.....to kill that god-awful urge. I will say that I vaped heavy enough through the first couple of days that I had a slight nicotine 'buzz', but not enough to feel or get sick.
5.) The first, say, 3 days or so were a bit strange, not grabbing for a cigarette. Whenever I felt a little 'strange', I vaped. After these first few days of NOT reaching for cigarettes (as my heavier vaping satisfied that awful 'urge' for the combination of addictive crap in cigarettes), I was certain that I had the cigarettes beaten.
6.) After, say, the first week, I was simply AMAZED that I no longer had even an urge for a cigarette. The 'strange' feeling subsided (quickly!) and I was able to fall into a fairly steady vaping routine without going really 'heavy'. I am not a heavy vaper by any means, nor do I have to have the latest, greatest and most expensive equipment.
7.) After the first month or so, I bought stronger / better batteries and tanks for a more 'potent' vaping experience (ego twists, charger, evod tanks, with several backups, so I always had charged batteries.). Move up to better equipment early on-----it helps immensely.
8.) Further, I gradually reduced my nic levels. I am now alternating between 0 & 6 mg of nicotine. The funny thing is that my juices all started to feel too strong after a while until I got down to my current levels. I have no idea why, but it is probably most likely due to the better delivery from better equipment.

This is the whole story. This method got me to 16 months, going on 10,000 cigarettes NOT smoked, and many hundreds of dollars saved, not to mention much improved overall health, endurance and stamina. I think that many are aware by now that the nicotine 'fit' / nasty craving from analogs is far, far stronger and nastier than that of the nicotine in vapor. It is simply a great feeling..........one of the greatest, I think.........to get off the cigarettes.

You certainly can do this. As they say, If I can do it, absolutely anyone can.
All the best.....

 

[UrKillingMeSmalls]

I've been down the same road before. Started vaping about 2, maybe 3 years ago and was off analogs for about 2 months then went back and was a duel user for many many months. For me it was probably a couple things. Low nic strength, weak equiptment (ego battery with aerotank duel coil attys), and not enough vapor production. I think I need some relatively dense clouds for it to "feel like smoking", so I found a B&M that does max vg and I LOVED the stuff. Upped nic to between 30-36 and vaped until I was nearly sick. I'm at about 28mg now and I think that still might be too much. We are all unique is about all I can say. Oh, and have a backup setup or plan that doesnt involve smoking.