There are two parts to the nicotine addiction; psychological and physiological, just like with any other addicition. This is not necessarily true of complusions and obsessions but that is another bird altogether. vaping address both parts of the equation and therefore tends to be a more reliable substitution than meds. Think about it, you have all the drama and rituals still in place with the delivery system and the actual chemical still being administered in controlled dosage. Many of us think it is the best of both worlds and a safer alternative but the chemical use remains. Ideally we would be chemical free but, hey in the real world we use chemicals all the time to enhance our lives. Many chemical addictions affect the midbrain (old brain) and are not easily shrugged off (The Old's Experiment). This area of the brain is responsible for survival and artificial stimulation of the "reward center" raises the pleasure level and may heighten other areas as well. Nicotine is a remarkable drug and seems to target individuals differently but it's still a chemical and therefore chemistry still occurrs. I like caffeine and I like nicotine and if I stop I will have withdrawal symptoms that may persist for a long time or forever. Have I already permenantely altered my body chemistry after smoking for 30 plus years - well most likely. Just like the ...... addict that may have perm. damaged the neural system and require methadone or other meds to function well. Just like the diabetic (not juvenile diabetes) that requires insulin. It all comes back to quality of life and I feel mine has been enhanced by vaping rather than smoking. For me it really is about harm reduction. Kudos to all who have chosen not to use nicotine and have been successfull. Obviously, this is ideal. But remember we are all different (body chemistry) and abstinence may not be a practical alternative for everyone. I have two teenage children and do not want to see them use nicotine in any form. In fact I wish I had never used but wishing, by itself, does not change anything. So for now I vape! Sorry for the ramble but I kinda forgot where I was headed with this post. Guess I'll go find my 801.
