Hi Kenny,
Just so you know, I tried vaping back in 2009, but was never able to make the 'switch' to ecigs 100% of the time, until 2 years later. Back in 2009, the available hardware was NOTHING like you can get today. My 'cig-a-like' just wasn't powerful enough to give me what I needed to prevent the very misery you seem to be experiencing. I didn't want to make myself miserable, so I continued to smoke analogs as needed, and vaped whenever I could. It was only AFTER I upgraded to Ego batteries, CE2 clearomizers and higher nic (up from 18mg to 24mg) that I was able to 'switch' for about 6 weeks.
At the 6 week mark, the cravings became almost unbearable, and I felt much like you describe in your posts...unsatisfied, fuzzy, 'monkey on my back'. I could vape hard and long, but eventually would give myself a NIC HEADACHE and felt sick for a day and a half. I didn't vape OR smoke until I felt better. Also found it hard to sleep at night.
As someone suggested above, I heard about WTA eliquid, called Ethan at Vapelicious.com and placed an order. Soon as I tried the WTA eliquid, I was FINE. I vaped WTA juice exclusively for approximately 6 months, then began slowly stepping out into non-WTA juice. I was a LOT better.
You can get WTA eliquid from only two places at this time: (1)
Vapelicious | Custom e-Liquid with Whole Tobacco Alkaloids (WTA)Vapelicious and (2)
Aroma Ejuice Manufacturer of WTA Whole Tobacco Alkaloid Eliquid and both are quite good. I use both vendors.
Long story short: I used ecigs to cut down the number of analogs smoked, until I found the hardware and eliquid that worked for me. Just as you wrote that your body lets you know what it needs and how it's doing, so does mine. I was surprised that one day my body told me the nic level was too high, so I lowered it to 18mg...then 12 mg...and now I'm a 6 mg. I've tried 0mg, but that's too low. I feel better with a little nic, but don't need anything above 6mg anymore.
I'm now in my 3rd year of vaping, but less than half of that time I've been a 100% vaper. Even so, I've avoided THOUSANDS of analogs, and I feel 1000% better. (I smoked 2 packs/day for 32+ years. Now, I'm not even tempted.
)
WTA HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY, but I also required good hardware and a good delivery system.
My suggestion would be to take it easy and don't make yourself sick or stressed by trying to 'switch' instantly. Instead, make the switch gradually as you're able to figure out the path that works for YOU.
I guarantee, when you find the
right hardware, the
right delivery system (cartos, clearos or dripping) and the
right nic level (and maybe try some WTA eliquid for awhile), you will eventually find a setup you prefer over analogs. At that point, making the 'switch' becomes effortless and painless.
Every analog not smoked is a reason to celebrate, but don't kick yourself if you do smoke one or more while making the transition.
If I could make the switch, I believe ANYONE can do it, too! I had a terrible time until I found ecigs...now I'm FREE.
BTW - After vaping over a year, I don't buy the hype that nicotine is so extremely addictive. I can put my PV down and NOT vape for several days, and NEVER have withdrawals (*except it is more difficult to FOCUS without nic). Instead, I believe the crap added to analogs offers its own set of addictive properties, and those are the ones that gave ME the most trouble. Once I got away from them (took about 8 months), lowering my nic levels was fairly easy. And, although I still vape, I still LIKE IT. I have no intention of quitting my vape...even if I take the nic to 0mg. I DO like blowing clouds, and I DO like my FLAVORS! (I also DIY my own eliquid now.
)
I also drink coffee, and have no intention of quitting caffeine...but I CAN put it away for a few days if I have to. I also use WHITE SUGAR in my tea, and I AM addicted to sugar...but I CAN do without if necessary.
You're doing great by asking questions. Keep it up. We won't let you down, cuz we're ALL in this boat together. ECF folks were a God-send to me, and they're still here!
GOOD LUCK!
