Struggling

[James Wall]

Okay, So I went a month and a half without an analog. I was doing great, I was feeling terrific.

Then I burned out 3 atomizers in one week, picked up an njoy that broke, went on a cruise and was unable to vape so I did the big no-no (to me) I picked up a carton of analogs. I smoked lights which had never satified me before but were fine. When I got back I got an atomizer and some higher strength liquid than I had been using to make up the difference. I went from 18mg to 24mg.

Almost two weeks later I'm still having a hard time and wind up bumming smokes at work. I've got some 36mg coming in, but man this is tough this time around. It doesn't help that my vaping buddy at work is sneaking the analogs either. Of course my wife is disappointed in me.

I have to say I'm more disappointed in myself though. This is the first time I've had a nicotine replacement that I've liked and that's worked. I certainly don't want it to flop for me the way the FDA's junk has.

Anyone else struggling or reach a point where you found yourself craving after you thought it was over?

 

[King_Calculon]

I have made it 6 weeks without an analog so far and it has not been easy. Equipment failure, elevated stress and old habits all seem to come back again and again to haunt me. The really bad cravings seem to come up at the most inopportune times. I feel your pain.

Some tips that have really helped me:

1. I told all the smokers I know not to give me a cigarette, no matter how nicely I ask for one.
2. I funnel the proceeds from quitting into new juice, new atomizers and new PV setups to keep it fresh and make sure I have ample backup suppiles. For me, it's worth the money.
3. I keep some high-quality swedish snus in the refrigerator at home. It is packed with nicotine and can be used very discretely. I use it only as a last-ditch resort in case I find myself in a momentary state of weakness or in a situation where I can't vape for hours on end. It is like a nicotine overload for me, and it erases all desire for an anlog. I have only needed it twice.
4. I have also distanced myself from situations I feel like smoking. I gave away all my ashtrays and lighters, and I allow no one to smoke in my home. If I avoid smoky bars and bring a high-nicotine tobacco juice when I do frequent them.
5. I get support. I am usually a fiercely independent person who never asks for help with anything. But having a few people to talk to and get positive reinforcements from has done wonders for me since quitting. There are lots of people on these forums that seem willing to step up and give encouragement if you are struggling.

I hope you find some of these tips useful. Stay strong man! Don't give up!

 

[Stu99]

Okay, So I went a month and a half without an analog. I was doing great, I was feeling terrific.

Then I burned out 3 atomizers in one week, picked up an NJOY that broke, went on a cruise and was unable to vape so I did the big no-no (to me) I picked up a carton of analogs. I smoked lights which had never satified me before but were fine. When I got back I got an atomizer and some higher strength liquid than I had been using to make up the difference. I went from 18mg to 24mg.

Almost two weeks later I'm still having a hard time and wind up bumming smokes at work. I've got some 36mg coming in, but man this is tough this time around. It doesn't help that my vaping buddy at work is sneaking the analogs either. Of course my wife is disappointed in me.

I have to say I'm more disappointed in myself though. This is the first time I've had a nicotine replacement that I've liked and that's worked. I certainly don't want it to flop for me the way the FDA's junk has.

Anyone else struggling or reach a point where you found yourself craving after you thought it was over?

First, you have a great attitude about it. Second, I found myself in a similar situation. I had bought what I "thought" i needed. Turns out, i didnt. But it is a learning process for some. I have no doubt that you will be back in the game after some trial and error. Good Luck!

 

[keyzygirl]

Ive been smoke free for over a year,Ive had those times that the cravings strike and I really want a smoke.It passes if you dont give in.For a while I used 36mg when I craved most,every morning with my coffee and when sitting with friends that smoked.You can do it,its not magic,it takes effort,but its totally worth it.Just make the choice,stick with it and do it!OK?

 

[Uma]

I had a struggle not too long ago, during the first for me FDA scare. I stressed badly, became depressed even, and my attys went bonkers to boot. I dug the stale carton of camels out of the igloo and had at them. They were awful, yet I still "needed" them. A few packs later (days instead of hours!!) I was able to re-drop them from my life. And then a few months later I caught an awful chest cold and it hurt to vape... so I reached again for the analogs. This time it was harder to stop using them for some reason. Perhaps because I had been doing great with vaping and was even down to 0-6%mg! My body liked, I mean REALLY liked that extra nicotine. So, I had to up my mg... but I don't much care for the TH with the higher mg. Needless to say, it took a few extra weeks to rid myself of those pesky clingers (those 4 pesky ones that are so hard to cut out on at first). I was back to step 1, but I was back. Counting the ones I didn't light up encouraged me. Long story short, it happens. Purchasing new fresh stuff as suggested, is a real blessing. My advice? Go shopping! Good luck, and stop beating up your best friend! Everyone's entitled to their mistakes, even him.

 

[Heartbskts]

and stop beating up your best friend! Everyone's entitled to their mistakes, even him.

Did you read this part???? Best words I have ever read IMO- thank you!!

 

[Raven_Blackblade]

I dont know how much this will help you guys, but it might give you some hope.

I started vaping back in April of 2009. I quit immediately, and I didnt look back. In October of 2009 I hit a in incredibly low spot. I found out that we had to move, and move immediately due to the landlord selling his condo. This had caused an insane amount of stress of moving, and the move itself caused me to lose atomizers, juice, and batteries. I bit the bullet and started smoking again. It was not until February/March of this year that I threw over 100$ in juice, atomizers, and batteries.

I guess my point is.... dont give up. When you are ready you will be. Dont be hard on yourself... we are human, and make minor slip-ups. Just remember that if you stay strong that you will really benefit from it in the end.

 

[James Wall]

Well, back on the wagon. I got my 36 mg in and feel no need for analogs now. I just needed to boost my dosage higher after the carton I wound up on. I'll work on dropping down to my pre-flop dosage (I picked up some 24 and some more 18). I've already switched back to 18 after my initial daily 36. My buddy has been out for a bit and this is her first day back in awhile. She discovered the same thing with her cravings. She's getting a higher dosage to get her through the rough spots too.

Thanks everyone for your support. I knew others had stopped and started and had their share of hiccups here. I wonder if there should be a "support"-specific section here, although I guess that's what this whole forum is for me.

 

[Fudgey]

Well, back on the wagon. I got my 36 mg in and feel no need for analogs now. I just needed to boost my dosage higher after the carton I wound up on. I'll work on dropping down to my pre-flop dosage (I picked up some 24 and some more 18). I've already switched back to 18 after my initial daily 36. My buddy has been out for a bit and this is her first day back in awhile. She discovered the same thing with her cravings. She's getting a higher dosage to get her through the rough spots too.

Thanks everyone for your support. I knew others had stopped and started and had their share of hiccups here. I wonder if there should be a "support"-specific section here, although I guess that's what this whole forum is for me.

Way to get back on track!!

 

[firefox335]

My situation is a little different. I thought when I got my PV, I would never touch another analog again. But the temptation was just too great. So I would take a hit off of a friend's analog. One hit. About every two weeks or so. I was worried that once I took a hit, I would want to smoke the whole thing. If anything, it just reinforces the fact that I've made the right choice. Analogs don't disgust me like they do so many people here. But now full flavor seems like an ultra light. There's no satisfaction. So by doing this, I've had at most 1 analog in 3 months by this method. Now if someone told me six months ago that I would go for 3 months and only have 1 cigarette, I would have told them that they were crazy. I think I'll continue this method until the first of the year. Then I'll really try to stay away from the analogs altogether.

Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up if you slip. Analog cigarettes are one of the most addictive substances known to mankind. When you slip, just count the days you went without one. You can do it.