Interesting Revelation...could use some thoughts regarding it....

[yawnasaurusrex]

I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict for over 3 and a half years...if anyone knows anything about my kind of people, then you will know that I used to stash bottles and drugs in like, every room when I was actively drinking and using for a variety of reasons. Those reasons varied from "What if someone dumps my stash" "What if I forget where I hid my last bottle" "If there is a zombie apocalypse, then I need to be prepared"...I was happy to find vaping about a year ago because I felt so dirty smoking cigarettes, and for a long time I told myself that vaping was better than smoking, and I still believe that as far as the chemicals, I can breathe, I'm not sick all the time anymore, etc. I started on 18mg and now I vape 6mg and I don't need to vape every 45 minutes to an hour like I did when I was smoking analogs...I'm cool for a few hours or even longer...however, I am still addicted to nicotine as this story will tell you...
This relates to vaping because today I got into my car to get to school for my last class before finals. Halfway to school, I reached for my vape and realized it wasn't there. I started to panic, and even had a quick thought that an analog might have to happen (I think that was the addict, and instant gratification aspect coming out because I quickly realized that was a stupid idea) because I've been really stressed, and I am not going to bull.... anyone and say that I am not addicted to nicotine because I am addicted to nictoine.
Then, I realized that I had a vape stashed in my car, and some ejuice in my purse. I got to thinking, and realized that I have a vape stashed in every single room of my house. None of them are really hidden or anything like when I was drinking and doing drugs, but still...I thought it was interesting. Alcoholism and drug addiction tendencies die hard....or am I just prepared like MacGyver? This question has been perplexing me all day.
I just needed to share this and wondered if anyone else could relate or if I'm bat.... crazy (I already know that I am). But it's whatever, I had my vape and didn't go get analogs so I'll take it as a win, plus I'll be prepared for the zombie apocalypse when it comes.

 

[MiamiMom63]

I don't think you are crazy. All of us that were addicted to tobacco have been addicts. I am totally addicted to vaping and I admit it. We all have addictive personalities in here, most likely anyways. I also have nic base stored in my freezer and a million flavor extracts, wire, wicking materials, you name it. lol. I personally got into rebuilding coils mainly because I was so afraid that if they started banning ecigs, I had to get prepared for the long haul dry spell. lol. What can I say, I can't help myself. At least nowadays we are addicted to something that's not going to kill us. Vape on and stay addicted to the vape if you must. If you don't have to, then that's even better, but I sure am not banging my head against the wall over my vaping 6 mg nic all the time.

 

[NEILBOAT]

Well said!

 

[MiamiMom63]

By the way, I think you should be very proud of yourself for beating your other addictions I am proud of myself for beating smoking after 30 years of being tied to it. It was really a problem for me now that I am older. I get the feeling you aren't very old since you mentioned you are in school so you have alot to be thankful for and proud of. Congratulations!

 

[OldSeer]

Except when someone is taking up room at the kitchen sink... and I might just have
to clean some vaping gear... one place I never take my vaping equipment with me
or have it stashed is the bathroom... so I just couldn't be addicted... like you... RIGHT?
Mine is all over in the house ... so I can reach for it as needed or wanted... even in the garage.


Oh! I've been a friend of Bill's for a very long time.

 

[Hypatia]

No not crazy. I can completely understand your feelings. However, do not allow yourself to feel ashamed. Dependency on the safe(r), legal nicotine of vaping has similarities, but is NOT the same has substance abuse. I, too, have had substance issues in the past, so I can completely understand where you're coming from.

Just be gentle to yourself. It's ok to stash an extra PV in the car, or your room, or whatever. Heck, if I forget my wallet in the morning, I completely meltdown (seriously panic) because I have to wait to get to school for my coffee, instead of stopping at the coffee shop drive-up window. Am I addicted to caffeine? You betcha, but I'm not ashamed or beat myself up over it. Consider nicotine the same way, it's ok? Sounds like moral relativism, but it's not. It's harm reduction. You've risen above the bad you-know-what, and replaced it with a non-destructive lifestyle. Go easy on yourself, you're doin' just fine. We're all right there with ya!!

 

[WillyZee]

welcome yawnasaurusrex ... your old stash trick worked well ... I should be so prepared

 

[Caridwen]

Congrats on your 3 1/2 years!!! Be proud g.f!

 

[Cherrybombz]

Totally not crazy. I have devices and juice stashed everywhere also. I have passthroughs attached to each computer I use, and a device in my purse. My bug out bag (prepared for the zombie apocalypse) has several ego batts, 2 atomizers, and juice in it. I often have one on a lanyard around my neck. I have a habit of forgetting where I put them down, and now it doesn't matter because I always have a spare nearby.

Another sign of addiction that I have, is lying or omitting information when a new device or a load of juice "show's up." This can be an expensive habit and that fact is not lost on my partner. Although, I would argue that it is still cheaper than his smoking habit.

I figure, if this is the my worst behavior and my only vice, than I am doing pretty good.

 

[seahawkin]

Congrats on 3 and a half years!

Hard to say about your question, depends how I reacted to it or if it was triggering to me. I had to problems going to bars after I quit using/drinking, but 20 years later Christmas parties like really ping me for drinking.

For me I treat nicotine like caffeine and sugar. Luckily when it became a health issue and I really had to quit vaping was around, where as when I quit smoking before I started up because I didn't want to relapse the other stuff.

 

[yawnasaurusrex]

Yeah..I agree that it is way better than smoking, and I know rationally that I'm in a better position than I was with cigarettes, but it just kind of wigged me out a bit.

 

[Grad]

I don't think it's the least bit crazy or anything to be ashamed about. I used to have lighters stashed everywhere, and I always had an excess number of analogs on me because I really didn't want to run out at a bad time. Now I think my backups and stashes of juice and parts are more a part of ensuring my success. If I were to lose, break, or run out of something, analogs are far more accessible, and I would likely relapse. By behaving like I'm preparing for the zombie apocalypse, I'm actually taking care of myself.

Good on ya for kicking your addictions! That's not an easy task to accomplish.