Vaping for 4 months-why do I still crave the analog?!

[olderthandirt]

Good morning alex!

Another bit for those interested in augmenting their vaping in order to stay off the stinky sticks.

There are 2 or 3 threads in the Smokeless tobacco forum with "recommendations" in the title.

From what I've learned so far you should probably start with an average nic content and milder flavors. Branch out from there.

Traditional Swedish process uses, among other flavorings, salt and oil of Bergamot. Those are the first things IMO that can hit a new user in a negative manner. After a short period of time you don't notice the salt, but a low salt snus would be good for starters

Average nic is 8mg.

What I consider milder in taste would be Ettan Original and a new one to me, Fielder & Lundgrens' Granit. Bit stronger in salt and tobacco flavor but still on the mild side is General Original or Swedish Matchs' Lab Series 01.

I've used the following vendors and readily endorse them all.
The Northerner, largest selection, in Sweden, reasonable to average prices and shipping costs.

GetSnus, smaller selection than Northerner, in Pennsylvania, better prices and fast cheap shipping. They will use UPS for orders over $20 so if you go over that amount e-mail them to specify USPS

ClubSnus, really small selection but should be expanding in the next month or so. Located in San Francisco they've got the best prices of the bunch. Because they are small the customer service I've seen and personally experienced is fantastic!

Enjoy!

 

[Dogsbody]

I find the Nicorette lozenges help a bit too, for when vaping may be inappropriate or If I just need a nic boost.
I actually gave up analogues using the lozengers first, but always felt like I was missing out on something and was constantly craving a smoke and was always only about 2 drinks away from lighting up, so vaping has filled that gap so now I am cutting back on the lozengers and trying to control my nic habits with the vape.

I think it is all about finding what is right for you, I hated the gum, inhalers, other drugs (zoloft/champix etc) but the lozenges+vapour seem to work great for me, I dont feel like something is missing anymore.

Whenever I think about wanting a tobacco smoke, I picture a tar infested lung and the thought of having to explain to my wife and kids that I have x amount of months left to live due to smoking. (selfishness)

 

[Sallana]

I just got my e-cig the other day. And instantly I went from a pack a day to 3 - 4 analogs a day.


Now, I only smoked for 7 years, so a person who has smoked upwards of 20 probably has a different experience with this. Although, I was always the one to say that after 2 - 3 years of heavy smoking, it no longer matters how long you have done it, a person of 20 years and a person of 7 are "Equally as ....ed." as I used to say. But who knows.. You were also a 2 pack a day smoker.. (yyyyyyyiiiiiikes) and I only smoked 15 - 20 cigs a day.

I still have an analog in the morning and after meals. The thing is that e-cig isn't JUST like that fiery friend you always knew. It's definitely different. (Heavier, tastes different.. etc) it's painfully obvious that it's NOT a cigarette. Therefore, deep in the psychological reassesses of your mind, you still crave the analog. It's normal.

The first time I quit smoking was when I was pregnant. I quit for 1 year. Stopped when I found out I was pregnant, and started again when my son was about 3/4 months old.. because i *still* wanted one. I didn't need one.. I just wanted one, and I was sick of it.

The sad thing is, after a year quit.. cigarettes are SOOOOOOOO gross, and when I started smoking again, I actually had to work up to "being a smoker" it took me forever to be able to smoke a whole cigarette with ease.

EASILY the DUMBEST thing I've ever done.

But I digress.

In the end, sadly, you may always want a cigarette. But even if you end up smoking 2 - 3 cigarettes a day for the rest of your life, that's way better than 2 packs. So if you ask me, you've already won. YOU GO!!!

 

[Colonel Angus]

I've been vaping for 4 months now and have gone from 2 packs a day to 3 or 4 real cigs a day. For me this is miraculous but why do I still want the analog? It drives me nuts! In the morning and driving. That's it. Anybody else out there feel the same? I'd be interested to know. I've smoked for 33 years so it's been a long frustrating smelly road until now.....

There have been dozens of claims over the years about other addictive additives in cigarettes- designed of course to keep us all hooked. (do a Google search for 'other addictive additives in cigarettes').

Just stick with the VAPE- if you ignore your analog cravings, they'll go away after a few minutes.

 

[zoomie61]

Man this forum is a real blessing in disguise gang! Thanks for all the encouragement and keep them coming because I know I'm not the only one benefiting from all your suggestions!
Thanks to all!

 

[RobertY]

Yes, you are craving analogs. But I do have a question for you and everyone else on here.

When you were still smoking did you not still crave one? When you first got up in the morning? After you ate? Sitting at your PC? Sitting in your poker game? Heck I got so bad that at times I was "craving" one even while smoking one. LOL!

When you develop a habit it is normal to crave. ESPECIALLY an addictive habit.

What I did was just to accept it. At the start the urges were strong. But then again so were the urges when I was still smoking. So I taught myself since there is no difference, the urges are going to be there whether I smoke or not that I chose NOT to smoke and be healthier for it.

Now as time passed the urges have become less noticeable and further between.

Just keep going and put your head down and get stubborn with yourself.

Good Luck!

I've been vaping for 4 months now and have gone from 2 packs a day to 3 or 4 real cigs a day. For me this is miraculous but why do I still want the analog? It drives me nuts! In the morning and driving. That's it. Anybody else out there feel the same? I'd be interested to know. I've smoked for 33 years so it's been a long frustrating smelly road until now.....

 

[sherid]

I've been vaping for 4 months now and have gone from 2 packs a day to 3 or 4 real cigs a day. For me this is miraculous but why do I still want the analog? It drives me nuts! In the morning and driving. That's it. Anybody else out there feel the same? I'd be interested to know. I've smoked for 33 years so it's been a long frustrating smelly road until now.....

Sure, many of us do. I still smoke at least one a day, but after 40 years of a pack a day, I am very happy with that.

 

[VapingRulz]

Just stick with the VAPE- if you ignore your analog cravings, they'll go away after a few minutes.

That's been my experience. I do still have cravings that hit me out of the blue at all times of the day. That's when I reach for my 36mg cartos. I think I'd be sunk otherwise.

 

[BlueBloodedCatFan]

I am seriously thinking of trying the snuff. I remember my grandmother doing it. Snus was a real surprise to me. I actually liked it. Both my sons dip. The snus isn't yucky like the spitty stuff...no offense to any spitters...Anyway when shopping or waiting at docs office or somewhere like that the snus is awsome.

I don't know much about snus, but stay away from snuff if you can help it. To me, snuff was a heck of a lot harder to quit than smoking was. I started snuff when I was 13, and at 21 started smoking in order to quit dipping. I did both at the same time for about 2 years before I was able to give up snuff. Smoking on the other hand, has been no problem. I just don't buy any that way they aren't available, and my 510 cures any craving (for the most part) with snuff, I would be going nuts even though I had analogs.

 

[olderthandirt]

I don't know much about snus, but stay away from snuff if you can help it. To me, snuff was a heck of a lot harder to quit than smoking was. I started snuff when I was 13, and at 21 started smoking in order to quit dipping. I did both at the same time for about 2 years before I was able to give up snuff. Smoking on the other hand, has been no problem. I just don't buy any that way they aren't available, and my 510 cures any craving (for the most part) with snuff, I would be going nuts even though I had analogs.

Bear in mind that most of us here when suggesting the the use of snuff are referring to the nasal form. The manner in which the terms have evolved through the history of tobacco and it's use can certainly be confusing!

 

[zoomie61]

not to go off topic, but how do you add the "I've been vaping for..." banners to the bottom of your posts?

 

[GarrettW]

not to go off topic, but how do you add the "I've been smoke free for..." banners to the bottom of your posts?

Try clicking on those banners. A lot of the time, they'll take you straight to the page where you make your own.

 

[spivey]

You need to seriously consider a battery mod. I was in your exact situation until I ordered mine. First I tried a 510, then a 401. They both worked great, but like you something was still missing. Then I ordered a Protege. It's not one of the heavy duty mods, but that with Puresmoker's 36mg special blend juice did the trick. The protege delivers the throat hit and flavor I was looking for. Check them out - you will not be disappointed. If you're serious about quitting you need to look at the higher end models.

 

[Raven1]

Bear in mind that most of us here when suggesting the the use of snuff are referring to the nasal form. The manner in which the terms have evolved through the history of tobacco and it's use can certainly be confusing!

I always considered snuff to be the nasal variety, not chewing tobacco. When did the definition change?

 

[olderthandirt]

I always considered snuff to be the nasal variety, not chewing tobacco. When did the definition change?

There was particularly good article I had seen recently that presented a time-line of tobacco use through history. I can't find it to save myself.

Suffice it to say that snuff is used interchangably in North America for sure, I don't know about other cultures. Moist snuff = oral, dry snuff = nasal. This is not recent in any way either.

From Wiki, this is close to what seems to be the current acepted terminology/usage:

Difference between dip, chew, snuff and snus

chewing tobacco, tobacco furnished as long strands which is placed between the cheek and gum or teeth.

snuff, a dry form of snuff which is inhaled or "snuffed" through the nose.

snus, a moist and Swedish form of snuff which is placed under the lip (usually the upper) and typically does not result in the need for spitting.

dipping tobacco (also known as dip, spit tobacco or confusingly even moist snuff), a moist and American form of Swedish snuff which is placed between the lower lip and the gums and often causes excess saliva while dipping.

And what makes it even more fun is the American Scotch DRY snuffs are quite often referred to as dip because of the huge history in America of it's oral use rather nasal.

Clear as mud now?

 

[olderthandirt]

Here is the classic example of dip referred to as snuff

There is no way the contents of that can are going up my nose!! 8-o

 

[GoodDog]

In the many years I've smoked analogs I can't tell you how many times I've tried to quit and gave up. I'm really excited about vaping and for the first time I think I have a chance. I still smoke 3-4 analogs a day but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. One thing that I like is that I can't smoke an entire analog at one time anymore. After 2 or three hits I put it out and feel satisfied.

I agree that some are addicted to the smoke. In past attempts I would go as far as lighting leaves or weeds just to have the smoke in my face...now that's sick!!!

 

[TWISTED VICTOR]

Just stick with the VAPE- if you ignore your analog cravings, they'll go away after a few minutes.

No, this is not always the case. This advice is given too readily and should be used with caution. Many people do well vaping nicotine liquid and never look back, but some aren't so fortunate. Some need the psychoactive ingredients to function at a normal capacity. Be it for mental focus or self-medication for cronic depression,.... This goes much deeper than an addiction or a habit. I successfully quit analogs 2 days after receiving my first PV (after 31 years). After 3 or 4 weeks I developed a crave that grew with each day. At this point, the common advice is "high voltage" and "up your nic", but I had already made a 6 volt mod and my nicotine level was high enough to earn a reprimand from forum members. I was also sliding into depression from the lack of the maoi effects my body got from tobacco, something I naturally lack the ability to do on my own. I use snus ,now, and with my stock 510 vape at 36mg, occasionally. I'm back to normal, but it wouldn't have been possible unless I went back to the smokes or used prescription drugs instead of snus. Your goal is what is important. If you need 1 or 2 smokes a day or a week, you might be like me, and as long as that's in-line with your goal you're doing great. If your goal is 0 smokes ever and you just can't get there without a craving that never goes away and/or a serious loss of focus, increased anxiety, loss of interests and a general desire to live in a cave and not be bothered by society, Swedish snus is a safer fix. Until studies show different, I see Swedish (not domestic)snus to be as safe as PV's with nic liquid. Some may want to argue that, but bring proof. I have already seen studies on Swedish snus .

 

[olderthandirt]

Apparently there is some kind of immediate feedback used on forums where one follows a post they agree with by saying something to the effect of
+1

TV, nice little post there. Borders on a rant for you
+10

 

[TWISTED VICTOR]

Thanks OTD. Just gittin' the trigger cocked, this time .