Please help me help my husband

[Astron]

Try different things! Especially for the juice, if he's craving cigs or feeling like it's not doing it for him then his nicotine is too low - you can change the throat hit with different levels of PG / VG mix, and sometimes just having a different flavor helps (I have a few floral flavors that pack a punch - even at 6mg I can't use them for an all day vape or it just rips my throat up...)

Dang, didn't even think about the PG/VG ratio. So I might need to check out some 18mg higher-VG juices. Hm.

Also, DON'T TAKE THE PACK OF CIGARETTES TO WORK! I speak from experience - even as a two year vaper, I've had times where I bought a pack for an occasion - If I smoke them all while I'm out, I'm fine going back to vaping the very next day; if I keep them, then I WILL smoke them. It's so much easier for me to get through those "Vaping isn't working" days if I have no choice but to vape - even though I may have thought it wasn't working, I find that I'm happier vaping than I would have been smoking.

That seems like it would be a bit of an "advanced class" for my husband at this point. He is the type who would stop a phone call and hit the corner store for a pack if he was nic'ing out. And he has two cartons yet to smoke here at home. So I'm around cigs; they are available to me. I've even put his cigarette out for him and I still have no desire. I guess I got lucky. He's really, really addicted.

 

[MorpheusPA]

Literally laughing out loud.

Nope, nothing quite that extreme.

And AMEN to everything in your other post about the "transition." Here's more evidence: We were watching "Fargo" (TV show) last night and he proudly said, "I made it through one hour and 20 minutes without a cigarette." If that doesn't sound like pride, then what does?

That's pride! And I did the same thing. Then it was 2 hours. Then 3. Then 6. Then days. Then, all of a sudden, I'd quit--but I didn't know that until a week or so later.

If he is withdrawing from something other than nicotine (like I said, I sure did), it'll take some time. At month 2 I was starting to wonder if it would ever get better. At month 6, it was long gone.

As for the "manly mods" (LOL, I can't even with that thread), I'm rather femme, but I'm not cowed by what others think about me, so if I like a big honking mod, I'm going to use it. Don't get me started on that. Not that I believe every single woman should feel the same. But I'm just greedy and want a solid vape. No "Lily" for me.

Ditto. I'd use something small and petite if it made me happy. I tend to prefer the Sharpie-marker sizes for battery life, though. In basic black they're a little...imposing...so I understand why my cousin was not exactly thrilled. But she liked Mom's in a cheery gold.

 

[Astron]

I actually think that vaping is easier than smoking. Once you fill your tank, all you have to do is pick up the thing, push a button, and inhale. Especially true when smoking outside with wind blowing out the matches/lighter and even the cig if you aren't drawing on constantly. And even inside since cigs now go out 30 sec after the last puff and need to be re-lit.

I think your hubby doesn't really want to quit and those texts are guilt looking for absolution from you--oh honey, I am trying, but wow, it is so hard to vape and the cigs well, really fast and easy. I would tell him that if he wants to keep smoking that is his thing and he needs to do it without setting you up to "forgive him" (as in smoke if you want, but no texts, please).

I hear you, and I am definitely not looking for him to feel guilty about anything. I don't want him to do this to please me. TBH, I think he is a little jealous that I've found vaping and love it so much and have thus far succeeded in quitting smoking.

 

[Astron]

From Morpheus:

That's pride! And I did the same thing. Then it was 2 hours. Then 3. Then 6. Then days. Then, all of a sudden, I'd quit--but I didn't know that until a week or so later.

If he is withdrawing from something other than nicotine (like I said, I sure did), it'll take some time. At month 2 I was starting to wonder if it would ever get better. At month 6, it was long gone.

I need to get his buddy at work vaping, too. THEN they'd have each other LOL

It doesn't matter to me if it takes him a year to get off cigs, or whatever his time frame is. As long as he is open to the idea, that's all I can expect from him right now, and I have to be OK with that.

 

[Dreaswi]

It took me 7 months to get over the hump.

It only takes one person to start a revolution.

 

[Astron]

It took me 7 months to get over the hump.

It only takes one person to start a revolution.

That almost brings tears to my eyes!!! Lord knows I'm up in the rafters, hollering about vaping to anyone who will hear me.

And congrats to you for getting over that hump.

 

[Emzie Blankenship]

Try 18-24 mg 100% VG (less throat hit). When I quit smoking about (pack a day of Marlboro reds) I went straight to 18mg RY4 and now today I am vaping 5+ ml of 18 mg. Can't say ecigs made my nicotine addiction easier, because it hasn't. I just get it through another source.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

[Robino1]

In the beginning, I do think vaping is harder. So many things to worry about. So many pieces to the puzzle.
It's kind of like when a baby starts walking.

It takes so much balance and concentration, to even go a few steps, that they go back to crawling because they can get from point A to point B faster.

Ecig- battery, liquid, what mg nicotine strength, what pg/VG ratio, what flavor, thing to hold liquid, thing to heat liquid into vapor, push button to get nic
Cigarette- cigarette, thing to light cigarette, suck on end to get nic (more rapidly into the bloodstream than vaping)

After the baby gets the balance thing down and feels more confidant that it won't fall, walking becomes easier and faster.

Once the vaper gets more confidant in the liquids and finds their right formula, learns the device; it becomes easier than smoking a traditional cigarette.

Baby steps works best for some. Others take off running and don't look back. I was a baby step person. I now can run.

 

[Mezrein]

I'll throw my two cents in in what pushed me over the edge with Vaping. I had managed to get down to only have two cigarettes a day, first thing in the morning with my coffee. At that stage I was only Vaping a peppermint mix that I made myself. I just couldn't do it first thing in the morning. By this point I had also been watching pbusardo's videos for awhile and he was always Vaping bobas bounty, a tobacco flavor that he ranted and raved about. I had been wanting to try a different flavor for awhile so I bought a 6ml 18mg strength bottle of it. I tried it at night and thought, hmm. This might go good with coffee. So the next morning when I got up, I grabbed my cup of coffee, went outside with my bobas bounty, and vaped with my coffee. That was Friday the 13th, 2013. Haven't had a cigarette since the morning before. For me it was really about finding that one flavor to replace a cigarette that I still enjoyed the taste of at the time, only do it Vaping. Bobas is still my morning/stressful go to juice. Just at 12mg now.


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[Astron]

In the beginning, I do think vaping is harder. So many things to worry about. So many pieces to the puzzle.
It's kind of like when a baby starts walking.

It takes so much balance and concentration, to even go a few steps, that they go back to crawling because they can get from point A to point B faster.

Ecig- battery, liquid, what mg nicotine strength, what pg/VG ratio, what flavor, thing to hold liquid, thing to heat liquid into vapor, push button to get nic
Cigarette- cigarette, thing to light cigarette, suck on end to get nic (more rapidly into the bloodstream than vaping)

After the baby gets the balance thing down and feels more confidant that it won't fall, walking becomes easier and faster.

Once the vaper gets more confidant in the liquids and finds their right formula, learns the device; it becomes easier than smoking a traditional cigarette.

Baby steps works best for some. Others take off running and don't look back. I was a baby step person. I now can run.

::Applause::

Very well said...but I have read enough from you here to expect as much.

And admittedly, I have had the luxury of time to sit and really learn. This is becoming second-nature to me as instinct has kicked in and my tastes are solidifying. He is still not sure this method will work for him. I have faith that one day he will go all-in. Until then, I just have to keep the door nudged open.

 

[Crystal Freeze]

You can't force.... I couldn't force my husband either. He just decided for himself that he was done. Does he still crave a cigarette? Yes. Does he smoke one? No. He just left his cigarettes at home one day and forced himself to vape for one whole day and that's all it took. Every time he tried to smoke he couldn't do it. It will happen if he truly wants to quit.

 

[Astron]

I'll throw my two cents in in what pushed me over the edge with Vaping. I had managed to get down to only have two cigarettes a day, first thing in the morning with my coffee. At that stage I was only Vaping a peppermint mix that I made myself. I just couldn't do it first thing in the morning. By this point I had also been watching pbusardo's videos for awhile and he was always Vaping bobas bounty, a tobacco flavor that he ranted and raved about. I had been wanting to try a different flavor for awhile so I bought a 6ml 18mg strength bottle of it. I tried it at night and thought, hmm. This might go good with coffee. So the next morning when I got up, I grabbed my cup of coffee, went outside with my bobas bounty, and vaped with my coffee. That was Friday the 13th, 2013. Haven't had a cigarette since the morning before. For me it was really about finding that one flavor to replace a cigarette that I still enjoyed the taste of at the time, only do it Vaping. Bobas is still my morning/stressful go to juice. Just at 12mg now.


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Awesome story. Thank you for sharing it.

And on the note of "finding your flavor," I just located another B&M that is *conveniently* located on the way to the grocery store I shop at about once a month. Called them and whatdoyaknow -- they carry some ejuices I've never tried before. BWAHAHAHA. So I reckon the man and I will have to *stop by* "on the way." LOL.

For me, it was Two Peas "Rich and Smooth." Now I can't taste it, LOL, but dang, it got the job done for about three weeks.

Friday 13th? I never thought that was an unlucky day.

 

[Mezrein]

Lol neither did I. and for me, it was my lucky day. 3/4 pack of cigarettes to the nearest person who wanted them.


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[Astron]

You can't force.... I couldn't force my husband either. He just decided for himself that he was done. Does he still crave a cigarette? Yes. Does he smoke one? No. He just left his cigarettes at home one day and forced himself to vape for one whole day and that's all it took. Every time he tried to smoke he couldn't do it. It will happen if he truly wants to quit.

Trust me, I know.....but I am really happy your husband made it work for him

 

[Blackboar]

Forcing the issue definitely does not work. I tried to quit using an ecig on at least 3 occasions. This last try worked. The reasons this time worked were twofold for me.

1. I had a sense of urgency to quit. In my case, my wife informed me she was pregnant. I did not want my child to grow up in a smoker's house. So I gave myself 9 months to quit once and for all. I spoke to a friend who got me started on vaping again. And I felt a semse of urgency that this had to work. Also, my wife never told me I had to quit. The decision was mine, though she definitely didn't like my smoking habit.

2. I'm a tinkerer. So after I got into rebuildables, it immediately became much more interesting to me. By allowing to tinker and make my own coil, I was able to also make a vape that had the right amount of vapor, flavor, and throat hit for me.

Those are the things that worked for me. But honestly, if there wasn't a catalyst to give me a sense of urgency, it would have been hard to quit cigarettes.

If your husband is going to quit, he'll need some self-discovery for a reason that works for him. After that, he needs to keep his interest in vaping high. For me it was rebuilding. But he should definitely check out this forum to get some ideas on keep his interest up.

I've been cigarette free now for 4 months and am confident that I won't go back.

 

[Feignix]

You've gotten a lot of good info here so I'm not sure what more I can contribute except for my own personal exeperience. I think Robino hit the head on the nail though!

For me vaping IS easier, NOW. I'm glad that I didn't just set a date to quit and switch over to e-cigs without any substantial knowledge of vaping as I had initially planned. E-cigs didn't work for me at first because my mom, God bless her bought the whole family crappy Metro kits and I couldn't take the irritation and the nasty taste it provided so I gave up on the whole idea for along time.

When I started pushing 3 packs a day and my normal activities and chasing 3 kids became strenuous and made breathing strained I revisited the ideal. MY how much e-cigs and vaping has changed since she first gave me that kit 3 years ago! It's definitely changed for the good but now there's almost TOO MANY choices and can be a bit overwhelming at first! I have to admit, even though I sometimes think I'm smarter than the average bear, the learning curve can be quite steep especially when you throw things like rebuildables and variable voltage/wattage in the mix!

It's a good thing you can successfully stop smoking on something as simple as an ego batt, a decent clearo and some good juice! You can even make your own juice and nic levels and that's one of the things I LOVE about vaping! It IS so customizable whether you want something "feminine" looking and 8 mg of nic with or without WTA, NET liquids, variable voltage, mechs, you name it! Heck, these day's they're cranking out the next level mods before people even get the previous NEXT best thing off of pre-order, or get their newest devices figured out and broken in! It's all about what level works for you and want you want to do with it!

You know enough to know that you can't force him, that would probably only do the opposite. In a lot of ways your experience seems like mine, and in some ways he seems like how I was. I'm glad I took the time to continue vaping for 2 months while I got a good grasp and foundation on vaping. For me I had to start off with VG only juices or at least higher content ones and now I can comfortably vape 50/50 vg/pg mixes. I think A LOT of it too has to do with the quality of the juices and what taste or vapes right for one!

I suggest you get a few juices from Nicoticket! They really are phenomonal. If he prefers tobacco flavors you really can't go wrong with the "The Virus", and I promise, I don't work for them!! Cinnamon can also give the sensation of a stronger or harsher throat hit, which I like, so if someone does too I suggest vapes like Grandma's Cinnamon Danish by NT or Snickerdoodle by Aroma E-juice which is available with or without WTA. Both Nicoticket and Aroma are two top notch juices and they both are sure to have something that floats y'alls boat IMHO! Taste IS relative so ymmv, but there's enough around to testify the chances are high!

I also wanted to note that some people actually do well with the cig-alikes" especially in certain circumstances, like at work or while out and about for example. You can even get small tanks for them, I know Halo sells them, or consider investing in the eRoll, another kit many rave about! You can even find either type of kits on the classys here pretty regularly for a killer deal, with extras! If ease is an issue than make them up together at first ahead of time. Once he gets into the routine and after he's found that killer jucie he'll be flying solo in no time!

Personally I "knew" when it was time for me to push myself to put down the smokes altogether. I truly believe in my mind I had built it up to be a bigger deal then it was and the anticipation of having a lot of issue with it ended up being MUCH greater than it actually was. The first thing in the morning and after a big meal smokes were the hardest for me as well. So I always made sure that I had a tank set up ready to go with something strong and woke up and started vaping away while reading the forum and waking up! The first few days I went without were a bit rough, but relatively speaking, it was NOTHING like going cold turkey! I also used WTA from Aroma initially, but I ditched it because I much preferred being able to vape more frequently and it would make me sick when I chain vaped those first few days of vaping only. Now that my vaping has settled down, meaning I don't vape quite as much as I initially did I can enjoy it in a few tanks here and there, usually at 12 mgs. As I may have mentioned I was a 2 1/2 pack a day for over 20 yrs! I also had to have smokes on hand during the process and STILL do! When I smoked if I got down to just under half a pack I'd start freaking out some and planning on getting more! Now I have a pack in my car that's been sitting in there for almost 3 months! Eventually I'm sure I'll get rid of them, but the point is they don't bother me either way now. Some people need them for a security blanket, some have to get rid of the temptation of they know they'll give in with them around....only he knows which will work for him and if one fails try the other!

You're going to have "bad" vape days where NOTHING works right! I've had those days were I've leaked tanks all over the place, and vapers tongue on top of it where NOTHING tasted right! For those days I kept a good cig-alike batt around or an ego with some cartomizer flavors that I really liked ready to go and picked those up to use while I either gave the other a rest or figured out what was wrong. A big part of it is how committed someone is, because until you are, you could take just about any stressful event or convenience issue and use it as an opportunity to smoke. I was and am committed this last time after my kids started coming home with papers on smoking is bad and said they didn't want me to die....I really don't want to be the one setting the example for a habit I really don't want them to start and given my family dynamics I know the chances were high if I persisted.

I know this is long so one last point I wanted to throw out there. If benevolent aunty is willing to supply smokes could you not talk to her about how strongly you feel about vaping, how much better/safer it is and the situation with your hubby and see if she'd be willing to spring for some juices till you guys find some your husband really likes? What about having her get you guys a gift to one of the many monthly juice box subscriptions that are coming out like Zamplebox, Craft Vapery or even Vapebox or Vapemail Club which includes hardware as well! I'm kind of embarrassed to admit it but I have a sub to just about all of them that's out there however my husband and I share them and it's still less then what we spent on smokes! Nicoticket is my fav vendor but I'm always up for discovering a gem and I have here and there! You can always trade or sell the ones you don't like also, there's a swap thread on here and the classifieds. It sure makes vaping and quitting smoking fun and adds to the worth of it for me! With smoking all I got was out of breath, a lot of ashes , butts, stink, burns and holes in things! It's really no comparison!

I LOVE vaping and my hobby with it now and I just can't conceive of turning back at this point. I hope your husband get's there soon, but until then just relax and vape on!

 

[Astron]

Blackboar and Feignix, both of you have given me such thoughtful and substantial answers, I want to do them justice when I have more time later. But both of you (as well as many others) have given me some excellent points to muse. I cannot thank you enough for your time and trouble writing all this out.

::wipes away tear::

Thanks.

 

[cocacola31173]

Just give him time...if he's anything like me I just quit smoking cause I liked the taste of vaping better. When I started I wasn't even planning on quitting. Was going to smoke at work and vape at home and in the car. Found myself after a couple of weeks vaping at work too so I just quit buying cigs. Haven't had one in almost 2 years.

 

[bluecat]

You can't force.... I couldn't force my husband either. He just decided for himself that he was done. Does he still crave a cigarette? Yes. Does he smoke one? No. He just left his cigarettes at home one day and forced himself to vape for one whole day and that's all it took. Every time he tried to smoke he couldn't do it. It will happen if he truly wants to quit.

How it was for me. I vaped and smoked for a few months. I tried to stop smoking completely. It didn't work. More frustration than anything. One day I just decided not to buy that pack on the way home. For the next year, I always just went by the gas station and kept saying one more day. I craved a cigarette for almost 1.5 years. It wasn't until this year and I bought some unflavored WTA to mix with my liquids. I only used a few drops in with my base (usually unflavored). The next day was amazing... I never did crave a smoke.

The bad thing about vaping is you need to find what works for you. It seems most find it pretty easy. I wasn't one of those.

 

[Equilibrium]

The truth of the matter is a 21 year habit is hard to break. If cigarettes are around chances are he will smoke them, simple as that. I just had to make the choice not to continue buying them and when I started craving a cigarette I had to vape until that craving passed.

As far as being “easier”, I have to disagree. I have my own office at work and vaping allows me to not have to get up and leave my office when I need a nicotine fix. I just sit at my desk and vape away. Occasionally I do go out and vape with the smokers just for the interaction and a change of scenery.

Being a recovering addict of substances far worse than cigarettes (9 yrs clean) I understand addiction well. When he’s had enough and he is ready to quit, he will. The best thing you can do is set a good example and don’t “nag” as that will probably just make things worse.