New to the forum, New to vaping

[TinxyBee]

Hello.

All though I have been reading a bit around on this forum, this is my very first post in here. I have been finding some of the threads on the forum quite informative, and figured I should start writing my own posts, in case I wanted to ask any questions down the line, or in case I would want to participate in others forum threads. So; hello everybody!

I started vaping the 13th of January, and even though I'm not yet completely off the cigarettes I am quite pleased with how it has been going this far. Coming from a couple of 30 cig packs a day (which of course is the equivalent to 3 regular packs a day) I think it has been going well, and even though I still smoke some, it's down to around 4-5 cigs a day - some days even 3 - I think I have made a substantial progress. I would like to be completely off the "analogs" eventually, but I'm taking it slow. Not sure completely how I'm going to quit cigarettes completely, but we'll see. I have just gotten some new juices in the mail, and I'm quite excited to try them out. Ordered mostly tobacco tastes the last time, since . Thought that would be my safest bet booming off the cigarettes, but decided I wasn't so impressed with those type of tastes. Also ordered a strawberry the last time - just to taste out for fun - and ironically found out I definitely preferred that one. Got myself a blueberry tobacco one also, which I found I liked as well, so this time around the only kind of juices I have ordered are the fruit and berry kinds. Can't wait to try them out.

Oh, btw, I started out on 24 mg juices, since I have been an extremely heavy smoker. If I manage to get off the cigarettes completely, I will see if I - after a while at least - eventually goes down on the nic strength, but one has to do one day at a time I guess. So I will see where the journey ends up taking of, won't I.

Lastly, I wouldn't mind it if anyone had some advice in taking the next step, and getting off the analogs completely.

 

[SuperTaz]

Hi razor and welcome to the forum. You are already on your way to quitting completely . One step at a time! Don't count the ciggs you still smoke but count the ones you don't!! I smoked a pack a day for over 40 years and have no cravings at all since vaping.

 

[Das Auto]

congratulations on taking control of your Life! It only gets better! If it takes a few months to finally stop smoking that 1 last cigarette, then that's ok! But you'll get there! Its just will power! And it sounds like your finding yours more and more each day! Good Luck!
A bit of advise of getting off the analogs (i assume those are the ones that look more like a cigarette), is just jump right in and get rid of them, buy a Pen of some sort. you need to shock your body in to realizing this is your new "smoke". Keep a few cigs handy so you can fulfill the cravings when they become unbearable, but try to go as long as you can without Smoking one. Tell yourself after each "vape break" that this is just a "tide me over" until you can smoke. Then push that time between cigarettes further and further away. Then, eventually, you'll realize that cigarette doesn't even sound good, but instead this new Burberry Creamsicle juice you just bought sounds Much Better. That, at least, is what I do/did. I like to control what decisions I make, not have something Hanging over my head telling me what and when I get/can do something. And those cigarettes are a beast! But you can do it!


Welcome to the forum!

 

[RavenZ]

Congrats. I found in very little time I didn't want the taste of a cig or the smell lol. Good Luck with the journey & keep us posted.

 

[HecticEnergy]

congratulations on taking control of your Life! It only gets better! If it takes a few months to finally stop smoking that 1 last cigarette, then that's ok! But you'll get there! Its just will power! And it sounds like your finding yours more and more each day! Good Luck!
A bit of advise of getting off the analogs (i assume those are the ones that look more like a cigarette), is just jump right in and get rid of them, buy a Pen of some sort. you need to shock your body in to realizing this is your new "smoke". Keep a few cigs handy so you can fulfill the cravings when they become unbearable, but try to go as long as you can without Smoking one. Tell yourself after each "vape break" that this is just a "tide me over" until you can smoke. Then push that time between cigarettes further and further away. Then, eventually, you'll realize that cigarette doesn't even sound good, but instead this new Burberry Creamsicle juice you just bought sounds Much Better. That, at least, is what I do/did. I like to control what decisions I make, not have something Hanging over my head telling me what and when I get/can do something. And those cigarettes are a beast! But you can do it!


Welcome to the forum!

Analog/Stinkies/etc refers to traditional cigarettes

 

[Steven G]

Greetings Motorazor and Welcome to the ECF...............................................Enjoy...........................................

 

[HecticEnergy]

Congrats and welcome!
I agree, you are doing great - cutting usage is nothing to feel bad about!
One trick that seems to help alot of people is to identify your "tirggers" or most stressful times of the day when you "NEED" that cigarette. Most people it's like "gotta have that first one in the morning with my coffee" or "after dinner is my quite time out on the deck." Cut it down to just those - maybe limit to 2 a day, then after a few weeks 1 or 0. Again, no rush, down to 5 from 30 is nothing to be concerened about!
Another trick is to vape instead of smoke (duh) - take your vaporizer and just constantly puff on it for 5 minutes or so - dont make your self sick or anything, just fight that craving. After that If you still feel like you need a cigarette, have it.

Lastly, this isn't a recommendation, but people who have a hard time switching may want to consider:
NETs (Naturally Extracted Tobacco)
www.Naturally-Extracted-Tobacco.com, e-liquids for electronic cigarettes
WTA (Whole Tobacco Alkaloid)
Aroma Ejuice Manufacturer of WTA Whole Tobacco Alkaloid Eliquid
Which make quitting easier for some

A blub on WTA FAQ (From AromaEJuice site)
Is WTA safe?

This question should more properly be, "Are e-liquids safe?" Certainly WTA avoids the many by-products from tobacco combustion, but there can be trace carcinogens known as tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA’s). These TSNA’s can be present in E-juice, NRT's,
snus, chew, WTA, and any other product derived from tobacco. NRT’s show the lowest value of TSNA’s. Whenever you have a tobacco product, it will most likely contain some amount of TSNA’s. With products derived or extracted from tobacco there is always a chance of inhaling these TSNA’s. The safest approach is not to ingest any form of tobacco product at all. By using e-cigarettes we are aiming for a reduced risk versus smoking tobacco, but there is risk. WTA is a more complex mixture than an e-liquid containing only nicotine. Logically, WTA is not as safe as a nicotine only e-liquid. It is, however, this increased complexity that we believe affords WTA the ability to help a struggling vaper not fall back to smoking analogs.


Is WTA addictive?

Due to the additional alkaloids present, WTA liquid may be more addictive than an eliquid containing only nicotine. Research generally focuses on the addictive nature of nicotine, so a definite conclusion is difficult to reach. Certainly with WTA's ability to provide greater satisfaction than an e-liquid containing only nicotine, it is possible that one may develop a psychological, if not a physiological, dependence on the substance that provides that satisfaction.

 

[greenmonster714]

Great to see you here. Welcome to ECF. Getting off those smokes is a tough ordeal but you can do it like many have here. Tons of support and helpful info here. Enjoy!

 

[TinxyBee]

Hi razor and welcome to the forum. You are already on your way to quitting completely . One step at a time! Don't count the ciggs you still smoke but count the ones you don't!! I smoked a pack a day for over 40 years and have no cravings at all since vaping.

Thank you; this seems to be a great and very helpfull forum in many ways, and it always feels good to be welcomed when joining a place like this.

Good idea to mainly focus on the cigarettes I haven't been smoking, instead of the ones I have. Thanks for that advice.

 

[FFMedic22]

Hi and welcome... Congrats on your progress so far. I was the same way thinking I wanted tobacco flavors, now it seems I like the "other flavors" a lot more than the tobacco.

 

[Zazoie]

Welcome to the ECF Motorazor! You can get there. I found good juice and good hardware go along way and can make the difference...oh and having backups for your backups...nothing like running out of a battery to make you want to light up.

 

[TinxyBee]

congratulations on taking control of your Life! It only gets better! If it takes a few months to finally stop smoking that 1 last cigarette, then that's ok! But you'll get there! Its just will power! And it sounds like your finding yours more and more each day! Good Luck!
A bit of advise of getting off the analogs (i assume those are the ones that look more like a cigarette), is just jump right in and get rid of them, buy a Pen of some sort. you need to shock your body in to realizing this is your new "smoke". Keep a few cigs handy so you can fulfill the cravings when they become unbearable, but try to go as long as you can without Smoking one. Tell yourself after each "vape break" that this is just a "tide me over" until you can smoke. Then push that time between cigarettes further and further away. Then, eventually, you'll realize that cigarette doesn't even sound good, but instead this new Burberry Creamsicle juice you just bought sounds Much Better. That, at least, is what I do/did. I like to control what decisions I make, not have something Hanging over my head telling me what and when I get/can do something. And those cigarettes are a beast! But you can do it!


Welcome to the forum!

Thank you for the advice. I started up with the vaping thinking I would be able to do it, and actually - being such an extremely heavy smoker - I am pleasantly surprised at how well it has gone to cut down as much as I already have. It wasn't a big problem to get down to where I am now, and already before I started vaping I decided I wasn't going to be afraid to take it one step at a time. At the same time I guess I become a bit eager as well, now that I have finally started vaping and have already cut down as much as I have. I have read a lot of different experiences from others, from those that have quit the cigs right away and those who have taken some time to where they stopped completely, and I guess everyone have their own path in such an endeavor. Of course I have also read that some people get back on the cigs completely after trying vaping for a while, and I already now that isn't going to be my story, so that's that. Btw, what I am vaping on for now are the Halo G6 e cigarettes. I already have several batteries from them. I thought I would start with something that seemed relatively simple, even though I'm using juices instead of pre-filled cartos. I'm not sure exactly what "a pen" when it comes to vaporizers are referring to.

And yes the cigarettes ARE a beast, and I'm actually very happy that I have started vaping - and that I have found a much better alternative, which is both healthier AND less expensive (even though I have to order my gear an my juices from abroad, since they are not legal for sale here in Norway yet, just for using.) It's a win win situation.

 

[TinxyBee]

Analog/Stinkies/etc refers to traditional cigarettes

Yes, that was what I meant. One of those terms I have picked up by reading through a lot of threads on this forum - thought I would be cool and get into the slang the other "kids" are using Just kidding ...or maybe not completely, haha. A bit weird thoug, because suddenly I don't know what to call anything on my own language, which is Norwegian because I can't think of equivalents in the Norwegian language for a lot of the terms. Even thoug vaping is beginning to come to Norway a bit as well it isn't a big thing yet. As I mentioned in my previous post they aren't legal to sell here, even thoug they are legal to use, so everyone who wants to vape here needs to order from abroad. I have heard rumours that they might become legal to sell eventually though, but that the Norwegian authorities are waiting for testing and research and so forth, so we shall see. Kind of a strict country when it comes to what can be sold and potentially harmful additives, substances, chemicals etc. But since smokes are legal to sell, e cigs/vaporizers/e juice etc should definitely be legal as well. Maybe down the line.

 

[TinxyBee]

Greetings Motorazor and Welcome to the ECF...............................................Enjoy...........................................

Thank you so very much, and I suspect I will!

 

[TinxyBee]

Congrats. I found in very little time I didn't want the taste of a cig or the smell lol. Good Luck with the journey & keep us posted.

Thank you very much! The vaping experience is definitely making me think I can wind up there to eventually. I'm actually very excited to have started on this journey. And yes, I will definitely try to keep you guys posted!

 

[corn flakes]

Welcome to the forum

I was in the same boat 2 months ago. 30 year pack a day(25) smoker. From advice I received on this board, I increased my nicotine levels to 24mg from 18mg.

I don't know what is available for you to buy but look for a slightly stronger juice or think about upgrading your setup. Don't put any pressure on yourself and quitting will come to you. Count the ones you don't smoke.

 

[TinxyBee]

Congrats and welcome!
I agree, you are doing great - cutting usage is nothing to feel bad about!
One trick that seems to help alot of people is to identify your "tirggers" or most stressful times of the day when you "NEED" that cigarette. Most people it's like "gotta have that first one in the morning with my coffee" or "after dinner is my quite time out on the deck." Cut it down to just those - maybe limit to 2 a day, then after a few weeks 1 or 0. Again, no rush, down to 5 from 30 is nothing to be concerened about!
Another trick is to vape instead of smoke (duh) - take your vaporizer and just constantly puff on it for 5 minutes or so - dont make your self sick or anything, just fight that craving. After that If you still feel like you need a cigarette, have it.

Lastly, this isn't a recommendation, but people who have a hard time switching may want to consider:
NETs (Naturally Extracted Tobacco)
....
WTA (Whole Tobacco Alkaloid)
....
Which make quitting easier for some

Thank you very much! And thanks for good advice as well. Maybe I described it badly, but I was actually much higher than 30 cigs a day; more like TWO packs of 30 a day. So as much as 60 cigs a day, at least. Kind of insane when you think about it, but it also make me even prouder to have cut down so much, right away when I started vaping. And now that I have ordered a bunch of fruit flavors to try out I'm very excited about the road ahead.

I think it's a good idea to think about what the triggers are, and be concious of those. Might actually help.

And the links you posted were interesting. I might consider buying some such alternative to try and use just when my craving for an analog is really strong, cause I figure that it would be better to vape something like that instead of smoking a cigarette. But I shall see how thing goes.

 

[TinxyBee]

Welcome to the ECF Motorazor! You can get there. I found good juice and good hardware go along way and can make the difference...oh and having backups for your backups...nothing like running out of a battery to make you want to light up.

Thank you very much, and thank you for the encouragement! Yes, at least I have already figured out that the types of juices you buy can have a lot to say. I'm still on the stage where I probably will be doing a lot of testing out different juices, but at least I have already found out that maybe I prefer juices that isn't trying to taste like tobacco. I have even bought a couple in that category that I found kind of horrible. So coming up is the testing of all kinds of different fruit and berry flavors. And I'm very much looking forward to it.

Hardware wise I'm, for now, using the Halo G6 vaporizers with cartomizers. Thought it seemed easier, at least to begin with. And they seemed easy to bring when one is out and about, or on a trip or sometimg; at least if you pre-fill the cartos before you out, and before you go on a trip etc. I might try the bigger batteries and tanks etc eventually, but for now it feels relatively easy with the g6 and the cartos. I'm not sure how easy the tanks etc would be to use when you are out and about? But maybe I will invest in something like that to use only when I'm at home, down the line. We'll see. What type do you think is preferable?

When it comes to backups, I already have 3 batteries and 1 on the way, but I suspect I might even buy more of them eventually. Heck, I might even buy some disposables to have with me at all times; I figure those can come in handy as an emergency backup as well.

 

[Ablonz]

Welcome Motorazor!!!! Glad to hear you wanting to make the switch and Congratulation on all those analogs you have not smoked since you started vaping. I did it exactly the way you are doing it now. I started vaping at the end of July. I did both and just slowly decreased my analogs as it started coming naturally due to me being able to smell things better as time went on. Soon it got to the point where I cant stand the taste of an analog and as of 11-11-14 as you can see on my sig below, I have been exclusive since to vaping. My dad smokes 3 packs a day and when he vapes, it cuts down to 1/2 pack without even wanting to quit analogs. I think he is actually transitioning to just vaping because he is bumping up his nic to 36 mg so he gets the more satisfying vape. Just remember, if you end up having an analog here and there, Don't fret the small stuff, just count the ones you haven't smoked. Good luck and any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

 

[TinxyBee]

Welcome to the forum

I was in the same boat 2 months ago. 30 year pack a day(25) smoker. From advice I received on this board, I increased my nicotine levels to 24mg from 18mg.

I don't know what is available for you to buy but look for a slightly stronger juice or think about upgrading your setup. Don't put any pressure on yourself and quitting will come to you. Count the ones you don't smoke.

Thank you!

I'm using 24 mg today. I have to order online, and most of the places I have been buying from have that as the strongest alternative. I don't know if it would be beneficial to find stronger nic levels, or not. Maybe it's more of psychological thing with those last few cigarettes. But yes, I will try to focus on the cigs I actually don't smoke - since that is A LOT - instead of the few I still smoke.

About the setup I'm using the Halo g6 vaporizers, amongst other things because that type of vaporizers seem easiest for right now. I find the cartos relatively easy to use/to fill and take with me out and about, when I have pre-filled the cartos before going out and about. Don't know how that would be with tanks and such. But since I am new to this, there are a lot for me to learn and figure out. Would upgraded setups help with better nic delivery or something, since you are suggesting the better setups might be better when it comes to dropping the rest of the cigs I still do smoke (if that was that you ment?)