waiting for euphoria...

[jennybee]

my vaping/quitting smoking story is a lot like the others on here, and yet I still consider it my little miracle I wasn't planning on quitting at all, picked up a joyetech e-ciggy while in the states three weeks ago, and next thing you know I was basically off cigarettes. I easily went down to 4 or 5 a day from 20, then down to 1 and was even able to stick to the e-ciggy while out having drinks. i was enjoying the not smelling/not being fearful every day/the idea of saving money etc., so i decided to ditch ciggys all together. and i looooved smoking, so this has been HUGE for me. i really believed i had gone past the point of no return, that i'd never be able to quit, and yet, here i am...not smoking!!
SO...here's where there's a bit of a twist...i haven't had a "real" cigarette for 8 days now, the first 5 were pretty painless, just a bit uncomfortable. but the last couple days have been pretty rough. i'm experiencing so many of the symptoms i have in the past when i have quit, but the confusing part is that i thought all those symptoms were associated with nicotine withdrawal. i'm still getting nicotine via my e-ciggy, but also going through a fairly intense period of anxiety, restlessness, that CRAZY feeling that i'll never truly enjoy life without smoking, etc.. the thing is that i'm not really craving an actual cigarette though, just, i don't know, craving some peace i guess.
and waiting to feel better, to feel that euphoria that comes from being free. i am very proud of being 8 days smoke free, and it does feel like the hugest accomplishment, and when i smell it on others now i am especially happy for this step I've taken.
so many people on here have written that it's been a relatively painless process for them, so am just wondering if anyone's experiencing some of the pain i am! and again, am confused about the withdrawal symptoms i'm experiencing that everything online says goes along with quitting nicotine, which i have not done. an
any guidance or support would be greatly appreciated. thanks everyone!

 

[syeroc]

First off...congrats on quitting. That IS a huge accomplishment and you should be PROUD of yourself!

The fact that you are hitting a craving wall after 8 days is no surprise. I had stronger cravings the second and third week then I ever did the first week. But rest assured if you stay the course you will achieve your goal of being a EX smoker. You may want to try to up your nic level during this time to get you through the process. If you are using a lower level nic strength that could contribute to your withdrawal symptoms.

 

[Txaggiesaunt]

You are also withdrawing from all the other chemicals that are in stinkies. What strength nic are you vaping? Might not be high enough. Try a stronger mil nic and see if that helps. I really think that would work as I started at 24 mg and never experienced any symptoms. Good luck & VAPE ON

 

[Enoch777]

Congratulations on the switch! It would help others to lend support if you mentioned a few things.

A.) How many packs a day did you smoke?
B.) What nicotine mg/mL are you using?

And remember to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. Vaping can be a bit dehydrating, it's one of the trade-offs. Not horrible in the least but something to remember. Bare in mind that there are multitudes of symptoms associated with quitting smoking, not just quitting nicotine. These will go away with time and others will be able to give advice there.

But it's very possible you need to increase the % of nicotine in your liquid to help satisfy the craving and ease you off of smoking.

Feel better and vape well!

 

[Mark Anthony]

Keep strong.... it will all pass in good time. We're all here cheering you on!!!

 

[NiNi]

All that was said above. The non-nic chemicals are what's messing with you, and bump up your nic level. Water, water, water!
When your "anxiety, cravings, etc" chill out, always make sure you have some juice higher in nic mg in case you hit a rough spot.
You just might want to take Vitamin C. I have always taken Ester C and smoking does rob your body of it.

 

[FringeChief68]

Which JoyTech do you have?

I been vaping only a little over 6 weeks so don't take what I say as if I know what I am talking about, lol

But the guy that first turned me on to Vaping said he tried to quit smoking a few times before with Vaping with cheap e-cigs he got at Wal-Mart. Then he got a ProVari and it's going on 2 years for him since he had a cigarette. He said you have to NOT find a replacement but you have to find something Better.

Now for me it was ONE day that made a difference. After I got my ProVari (which is my first Mod and my FIRST time Vaping) I had 2 full packs of cigarettes and figured I could do both since I had them. The 2nd day of using my ProVari trying to hit a cigarette was a joke. It was like sucking on a tree branch, literally no throat hit what so ever compared to Vaping. I gave both packs away.

Now I am not trying to sell you or talk you into a ProVari there's a lot of really good mods out there, but I think that the Mod makes a Big difference in helping you stop.
Again this is just a opinion of a Noob Vaper Good Luck

 

[yzer]

There are several compounds in cigarette smoke that work in concert with nicotine. These compounds are like nicotine in that they are highly addictive and will produce physical withdrawal symptoms if you quit smoking. If you quit smoking cold turkey without using a new source for any of these compounds (including nicotine) all physical withdrawal symptoms will end within a week. However, you may suffer psychological withdrawal symptoms (including cravings) that may occur months and even years after you quit smoking.

If you quit smoking cold turkey and use an e-cigarette, a patch or nicotine gum to replace the nicotine then you will stay addicted to nicotine. You may still suffer physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms from quitting the other addictive compounds in cigarette smoke.

Psychological withdrawal symptoms feel very real. For me, just taking a nice vapor hit from the mod helps a great deal. The craving disappears in less than a minute. Although I haven't smoked a single puff from a cigarette in over 18 months I still get cigarette cravings once or twice a month.

In my own experience: I had physical withdrawal symptoms after smoking my last cigarette and switching entirely to nicotine vaping. Those withdrawal symptoms ended about five days later. After vaping nicotine for nearly 18 months I had to quit nicotine entirely following surgery for a broken leg. I switched to zero% nicotine liquid three weeks ago. The withdrawal symptoms from purified nicotine lasted only three days.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

my vaping/quitting smoking story is a lot like the others on here, and yet I still consider it my little miracle I wasn't planning on quitting at all, picked up a joyetech e-ciggy while in the states three weeks ago, and next thing you know I was basically off cigarettes. I easily went down to 4 or 5 a day from 20, then down to 1 and was even able to stick to the e-ciggy while out having drinks. i was enjoying the not smelling/not being fearful every day/the idea of saving money etc., so i decided to ditch ciggys all together. and i looooved smoking, so this has been HUGE for me. i really believed i had gone past the point of no return, that i'd never be able to quit, and yet, here i am...not smoking!!
SO...here's where there's a bit of a twist...i haven't had a "real" cigarette for 8 days now, the first 5 were pretty painless, just a bit uncomfortable. but the last couple days have been pretty rough. i'm experiencing so many of the symptoms i have in the past when i have quit, but the confusing part is that i thought all those symptoms were associated with nicotine withdrawal. i'm still getting nicotine via my e-ciggy, but also going through a fairly intense period of anxiety, restlessness, that CRAZY feeling that i'll never truly enjoy life without smoking, etc.. the thing is that i'm not really craving an actual cigarette though, just, i don't know, craving some peace i guess.
and waiting to feel better, to feel that euphoria that comes from being free. i am very proud of being 8 days smoke free, and it does feel like the hugest accomplishment, and when i smell it on others now i am especially happy for this step I've taken.
so many people on here have written that it's been a relatively painless process for them, so am just wondering if anyone's experiencing some of the pain i am! and again, am confused about the withdrawal symptoms i'm experiencing that everything online says goes along with quitting nicotine, which i have not done. an
any guidance or support would be greatly appreciated. thanks everyone!

Welcome to ecf.

You are not alone in the withdrawal of the 'other componds' in cigs. These are referred to as Whole Tobacco Alkoloids. There is a whole thread dedicated to this very subject. And the wonderful members here at ecf, some are chemist, have found a way to actually make an eliquid that has these in them.
WTA can be found at some of the vendors that are here at ecf. It can be more expensive, but some have used it to quit the analogs.

I will find the links and post below when I do.
Hang in there, this may help.



ejuice vendor Aromaejuice.com

blog http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/dvap/423-whole-tobacco-alkaloid-e-liquid.html

There are other vendors also. just google whole tobacco alkaloid (wta) e liquids

 

[Evi|grin]

Congrats and you are NOT alone. The first week was easier for me too. It was like a miracle and IMO it was a miracle. Quitting though still all depends on you. Even a miracle is dependent on your free will.

After the first week i still had analog "behavior" that was annoying. Such as reaching for a lighter. I am now free of that and no longer even have a lighter within reach. Your body is also getting used to the lack of chemicals you took in while smoking. It does get better, just hang in there.

Use ECF as a support group. Many of us have been there and can relate to what you are experiencing. I loved smoking my little flavored cigars but they were literally killing me.

I can only assume most of us do care that you reach YOUR goal/s as enjoyably as possible. My cravings are very quick and go away very quickly. I actually seldom have any analog craving but i am likely the "exception to the rule". I don't question why, i just enjoy it and give thanks to everyone that has helped me.

 

[chalton36]

Cant remember but cigs have maoi's in them an anti depressant and full body alkaloids which are so so so addictive. ..more than nicotine is . Your body is craving these ...answer buy a tin of snuff tobacco and take a pinch .....all cravings gone. .... carry on vapeing bro

 

[jennybee]

thank you so much evil grin, and everyone else too! it really is amazing what a difference encouraging words from people who have been there...and are there...makes. i almost think I just needed to hear it does get better, because I was getting worried it just might not. silly, I know.
to answer some of the above questions, I was smoking a pack a day (20 ciggys), and have been smoking for 25 years...!! the nicotine level i'm using is 28 and 24, I go between. and I have the joyetech e-go/e-goT, which I've been very happy with.
and I hope I emphasized enough how truly life-changing discovering the e-ciggy has been, despite the struggles I may be having right now. I wake up every morning and I CANNOT believe i'm not smoking!

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

thank you so much evil grin, and everyone else too! it really is amazing what a difference encouraging words from people who have been there...and are there...makes. i almost think I just needed to hear it does get better, because I was getting worried it just might not. silly, I know.
to answer some of the above questions, I was smoking a pack a day (20 ciggys), and have been smoking for 25 years...!! the nicotine level i'm using is 28 and 24, I go between. and I have the joyetech e-go/e-goT, which I've been very happy with.
and I hope I emphasized enough how truly life-changing discovering the e-ciggy has been, despite the struggles I may be having right now. I wake up every morning and I CANNOT believe i'm not smoking!

Just let it happen, that is the best advice I can give. Yes, it takes effort on our parts to reach for the ecig, not the stinkies, but that too shall pass. I caught myself trying to flick 'ashes' out of an open window when I first started vaping. boy, did I feel silly. And another vaper I know actually threw their new ecig out of a car window, much to their horror. LOL. Behavior takes a bit of effort to change, but it isn't drastic and very much doable.
Just don't dwell on Not smoking cigs and focus attention to a good book, a nice hike, or a movie.

Good luck and let us know how it is going.

 

[oneforpeace]

After the first week i still had analog "behavior" that was annoying. Such as reaching for a lighter.

LOL! I did exactly that my first night with my new, that day, eCig. I almost lit the battery cover on the eVic before I realized what I was doing and remembered to laugh.

 

[Ohyeathat]

Congrats! It may seem like everyone else had such an easy time making the transition but, there havE been bumps in the road for many of us. I will also suggest that you keep a higher level of nic on hand for the rough patches. I know when I am stressed I vape a higher level and it helps with the cravings. I also do that first thing in the morning. It's been well over 3 months since I quit and I still have time I crave a stinky now and then. But I just grab my PV and vape and it goes away.

 

[Amraann]

thank you so much evil grin, and everyone else too! it really is amazing what a difference encouraging words from people who have been there...and are there...makes. i almost think I just needed to hear it does get better, because I was getting worried it just might not. silly, I know.
to answer some of the above questions, I was smoking a pack a day (20 ciggys), and have been smoking for 25 years...!! the nicotine level i'm using is 28 and 24, I go between. and I have the joyetech e-go/e-goT, which I've been very happy with.
and I hope I emphasized enough how truly life-changing discovering the e-ciggy has been, despite the struggles I may be having right now. I wake up every morning and I CANNOT believe i'm not smoking!

I use 36mg juice when things get tough.

 

[Evi|grin]

I keep some Ry4 30mg and some even higher nic White Cloud disposables around just in case something really pushes my stress level up. I haven't had to use either in a long time. Just knowing they are there is my security blanket.

 

[meanckz]

what's the name of that stuff some liquids have? WTA... something something Tobacco alkaloids ...sorry I keep forgetting the name of it, but there are liquids available which contain those alkaloids, which can also reduce cravings and withdrawals.

Welcome to ECF

 

[Roogal]

Welcome and well done! My story is similar to yours- I bought an ecig and gave myself a month to get the hang of it before I was going to try to give up analogues. I went from 30 analogues/day to none within 3 days of getting the ecig and panicked because I hadn't meant to give them up but they tasted so awful I couldn't even finish the last 2 I lit. The last one I lit was when a vet told me we had to put my daughters pony to sleep ( pretty stressful) and I took about 3 drags and put it out and grabbed my ecig. I still don't have any flavours I love, Im still trying new setups but I know I will never smoke another analogue. I think the biggest help for me was not telling myself I couldn't have an analogue- if I wanted one I had one and I soon made a very easy choice not to have anymore because even though I haven't worked out this vaping thing yet it tastes better than smoking ever did! I'm 4 weeks in now- last week was harder (3 weeks) and I've still got analogues around but the thought of lighting one really made me feel ill. I never crave an analogue but I have times when something is missing- usually when Im tired and none of my ejuices taste right but I know that feeling wont go if I have an analogue anyway. I just accept I'm feeling a bit crappy because even nonsmokers feel crappy sometimes! I know some people have a harder time switching but I don't think it has to do with willpower- I think it has more to do with nic level and setups/vaping technique etc.
Well done - vape on!!

 

[Ld3441]

thank you so much evil grin, and everyone else too! it really is amazing what a difference encouraging words from people who have been there...and are there...makes. i almost think I just needed to hear it does get better, because I was getting worried it just might not. silly, I know.
to answer some of the above questions, I was smoking a pack a day (20 ciggys), and have been smoking for 25 years...!! the nicotine level i'm using is 28 and 24, I go between. and I have the joyetech e-go/e-goT, which I've been very happy with.
and I hope I emphasized enough how truly life-changing discovering the e-ciggy has been, despite the struggles I may be having right now. I wake up every morning and I CANNOT believe i'm not smoking!

Welcome to the BEST support system on the net and congratulations to you. There are many here that can relate as I can. I had the same feelings and would just vape more at those times. It went away. If I am feeling stressed for some reason and feel the need, I will up the nicotine for a bit and that helps. Most of the time it happens though it is not needed. Hang in there, it does get better!