This is way more my speed.

[oithumperoi]

Hey, there, my name's Thumper, and I just started vaping about three days ago. I have chronic health issues that smoking exacerbates immensely, and so I needed to quit. Seeing as how nicotine isn't really my issue, I decided to go with vaping for harm reduction.

I went to some of those "quit smoking" sites, though, and the cult-y vibes turned me off really hard. Any mention of vaping as a suitable cessation tool is met with the same 3 or 4 platitudes. Then I came here, saw the term ANTZ, and figured it was the place for me. Any words of encouragement or advice would be great, cause this is really, really difficult.

 

[r77r7r]

Welcome, what is difficult for you?

 

[AzPlumber]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Letitia]

Welcome Thumper. Difficult but completely doable. Tell us what you are vaping on (brand and name please) and what you do or don't like about it. We can help.

 

[Baditude]

Any words of encouragement or advice would be great, cause this is really, really difficult.

I was a 30+ year smoker. The last few years I tried the traditional ways to try to quit: Nicotine gum/lozenges, prescription drugs, and hypnosis twice. All either had terrible side effects or were ineffective.

Vaping worked for me. I've been tobacco-free for 6 years and hardly have wanted a cigarette since I quit. My theory on why vaping worked for me:

-Vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking. I get my nicotine without smoke and the hundreds of toxic chemicals. That covers the physical part.

-Vaping mimics the "hand-to-mouth" behavior common to the tobacco addiction.

-Vaping satisfies the need to "inhale and exhale" a substance, whether its smoke or vapor.
​

Those other methods didn't cover the last two factors, but vaping did.

Vape as much and as often as you need to. You'll know if you're vaping too much if you get nic overload: Headache, nausea, or the "jitters" ... same symptoms you'd get if you drank/ate too much caffeine (another stimulent).

If you MUST have an occassional smoke, smoke only a HALF of a cigarette and save the rest for the next bad craving. Those second half's taste rather nasty, but that nasty will help you quit.

It's not how many cigarettes that you smoke in a day that's important, it's how many you DIDN'T smoke that is.

Just as important as the gear you use will be your choice of flavors. You probably won't vape it if you don't like the flavor. Unfortunately, taste is extremely subjective concerning vape flavors. You will probably have to experiment with many flavors until you find a couple of acceptable ones. One tip: You likely won't find a tobacco flavor that tastes like a cigarette. Try a fruit, candy, or desert flavor.

There's a lot of vape information you should find helpful in my blog. (Link below in my signature)

 

[dsites]

Like many here, I tried the conventional ways to quit. Vaping actually works!

Read the recommendations here, try a few devices, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[90VG]

Tried the patch, didn't last 3 months.
Tried the pill (forgot what it's called), didn't work at all.
Tried cold turkey, didn't work.
Tried vaping, almost 3 years and still counting.

Welcome!

 

[AngeNZ]

I too had to quit for health issues - 3 broken leg bones. Needed surgery to realign bones & insertion of two plates & 13 screws. In the ER I was asked if I smoked, said yep & was told then I either had to quit or face an extra month in a cast. Plus my wound healing would be compromised. They slapped a patch on my arm & gave me nicotine gum

The first few days were so hard. Lucky for me I was stuck in a hospital bed on the 5th floor of a smoke free hospital. Broken leg helped distract me, but I know now if I was able to chain vape, it wouldve been so much easier. The similar action of vaping just replaces cigarettes so much better than patches & gum.

Once home and vaping I got through the first few weeks, now its 2 months of no smokes.

Health reasons are a huge motivator. However your brain will also play a big part. Tell yourself that physically vaping is the same as smoking - just a hell if a lot better for you. I also find now if someone offered me a cigarette or a vape - I'd reach for the vape. Tastes better, doesn't stink & I can do it inside without repercussions.

Chain vape if need be, up the nicotine strength if you need to and good luck

 

[90VG]

Haha, the patch. When I got tossed into a mental institution, I was waiting for my psychiatric interview. It had been 3 days no ciggies. I told one of the nurses that I probably would fail the interview unless I could go smoke or maybe if they had a patch. Whammo, less than 5 minutes they slap on the patch. Cleared interview and thrown out onto the streets. Got a taxi, hit up a 7-11 for some smokes, then hit a cell store for a pre-paid cell phone and booked a room in a super nice hotel. Now, how to get home?

Thank god for vaping, and the patch!

 

[Vapemesilly]

Haha, the patch. When I got tossed into a mental institution, I was waiting for my psychiatric interview. It had been 3 days no ciggies. I told one of the nurses that I probably would fail the interview unless I could go smoke or maybe if they had a patch. Whammo, less than 5 minutes they slap on the patch. Cleared interview and thrown out onto the streets. Got a taxi, hit up a 7-11 for some smokes, then hit a cell store for a pre-paid cell phone and booked a room in a super nice hotel. Now, how to get home?

Great story.

I used the patch several times to quit smoking. It worked for me. I thought it was way better than the gum. But I always started smoking again at some point. As soon as life got stressful I would reach for a smoke. Now I reach for a vape, when life is stressful and when it isn't. Much better.

For the OP, if vaping is not easy then up your nicotine level.

 

[oithumperoi]

Welcome Thumper. Difficult but completely doable. Tell us what you are vaping on (brand and name please) and what you do or don't like about it. We can help.

I'm using an eLeaf iStick (I'm not really sure on the specifics, because I got it used as a gift. It's black and has a digital screen.) My big frustration was that I was cutting down on nic (my partner and I are broke for a couple days, or I would have just picked up some higher nic content juice), and experiencing withdrawals from that. But honestly, it's gotten a whole lot better in the hours since I posted this. Hahaha. I just vape hard when I need to, and it's alright.

My tank does leak and flood after awhile, though (It's a Kanger Protank II), and that is really frustrating. What do you guys do if you're out and about and can't easily clean/fix your systems? That seems to me like my most vulnerable times for smoking actual cigarettes.

 

[Tonee N]

Hello and Welcome to ECF

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[AngeNZ]

Costs extra but may save you in the long run - I just have backup gear. Got 2 tanks, 2 mods and a AIO. If you are clumsy like me, its a necessity From what I've read on here most ppl have more backups than that! Plus I've got plenty of backup ejuice. I was spending $60NZD a week on tobacco, so spending $10-$25 a week on ejuice is much better.

Just need to get over my shinyitis.....

 

[oithumperoi]

Costs extra but may save you in the long run - I just have backup gear. Got 2 tanks, 2 mods and a AIO. If you are clumsy like me, its a necessity From what I've read on here most ppl have more backups than that! Plus I've got plenty of backup ejuice. I was spending $60NZD a week on tobacco, so spending $10-$25 a week on ejuice is much better.

Just need to get over my shinyitis.....

Oh, good call. I probably wasn't thinking about that because we're so broke right now. But we get paid in a couple days, and I'm gonna go do just that. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Opinionated]

Hey, there, my name's Thumper, and I just started vaping about three days ago. I have chronic health issues that smoking exacerbates immensely, and so I needed to quit. Seeing as how nicotine isn't really my issue, I decided to go with vaping for harm reduction.

I went to some of those "quit smoking" sites, though, and the cult-y vibes turned me off really hard. Any mention of vaping as a suitable cessation tool is met with the same 3 or 4 platitudes. Then I came here, saw the term ANTZ, and figured it was the place for me. Any words of encouragement or advice would be great, cause this is really, really difficult.

Hey Thumper welcome to ECF! Glad you've joined us..

No worries we've all been where you are now.. you will make it through this!

If you are having particular difficulties we can certainly help you with any of those.. just give us a heads up on what's going on exactly and we can advice on how to make things easier on yourself.

I don't vape anymore (or smoke - I quit that almost four years ago) but I can still give some input too! Just know, you CAN do this!

 

[Janusz]

I smoked for 43 years. I quit smoking and started vaping just before christmas. Three months without smoking. You can do it.

Janusz

 

[Opinionated]

I'm using an eLeaf iStick (I'm not really sure on the specifics, because I got it used as a gift. It's black and has a digital screen.) My big frustration was that I was cutting down on nic (my partner and I are broke for a couple days, or I would have just picked up some higher nic content juice), and experiencing withdrawals from that. But honestly, it's gotten a whole lot better in the hours since I posted this. Hahaha. I just vape hard when I need to, and it's alright.

My tank does leak and flood after awhile, though (It's a Kanger Protank II), and that is really frustrating. What do you guys do if you're out and about and can't easily clean/fix your systems? That seems to me like my most vulnerable times for smoking actual cigarettes.

I think @Coastal Cowboy uses the protanks, I'm sure we can get you specific advice on those leaking for you.. might need something simple like an oring.

Sorry to hear of your financial difficulties.. hopefully those will rectify themselves very soon!

Those eleaf isticks are very well regarded! You got a great win there!

 

[oithumperoi]

I think @Coastal Cowboy uses the protanks, I'm sure we can get you specific advice on those leaking for you.. might need something simple like an oring.

Sorry to hear of your financial difficulties.. hopefully those will rectify themselves very soon!

Those eleaf isticks are very well regarded! You got a great win there!

Oh, yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to make a thing of that. I just meant to say it's a couple days till we get paid. We've all been there. Hahaha.

 

[Opinionated]

Oh, yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to make a thing of that. I just meant to say it's a couple days till we get paid. We've all been there. Hahaha.

Lol yep! That we have.. doesn't mean I cant send good wishes your way!

At least your not digging in the couch for enough change for a pack of smokes though! Hahaha.. that's a plus!

Anyway, cowboy can give you specific advice for leaking.. hopefully !

 

[oithumperoi]

Just an update: I'm doing great, and the leaking was easily resolved. Turns out you just need to clean it every once in awhile. Hahaha. Thanks for everyone's welcome and advice, I really think this quit's gonna be my last one.