Why do people who stop vaping go back to normal cigarettes?

[Robino1]

I'm one of those that want simple. NOTHING is as simple as cigarette smoking. A long as I had a lighter and a pack, I was good. Now I have to have liquids, batteries to keep charged, heads to clean, clearo's to wash out. My purse is HEAVY with extra liquid, extra batteries etc...
Is it worth it? YES.

I did a ton of research here to find the simplest possible route. And I have, with the learning curve that I knew I would have. Now that I have taken the time to really know my equipment and how to maintain it, it is the simplest device for my needs. I have no desire to get into another delivery device because I don't really want to have to learn that one too.

I know this thing so well that if there is a slight gurgle, I know how to fix it. I can see where some days a person just doesn't want to go through all the crap that has to be done. I say this as I sit here typing and I really should be cleaning the heads that I keep throwing into the "to be cleaned" section of my vape station. But it is Friday, which means laundry and maintainence day for my gear.

That is how I cope with all the stuff that needs to be done to keep me off of cigarettes. I have enough stuff on hand to get me through about a month just changing out heads. Once a week, Fridays, I go through and do what needs to be done. Simpler than cigs? No. Better than cigs? HELL YEAH! Will I ever go back to smoking? I hope not. I have no desire to go back. It's been six months almost, I have my system down pat. That's all I can do.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Mu oldest sister quit smoking 30+ yrs ago and she told me she still has the occasional urge. I was supposed to quit last New Years but felt I wasn't ready and I'm okay with that. Have friends/ ex vapers that have quit and they still have the occasional urge.
The following is ALL IMHO and applies to myself...
Much as there is no cure for my alcoholism I really believe I will never be fully free from my addiction to tobacco but at least, for the time being, I understand and accept my plight and know there are tools available to aid me in my battle. If I have to do certain things to avoid these substances I'm okay with that. As for willpower, in my experience. the key to overcoming addiction is to remove the power from my hands. Support groups such as ECF are a POWERFUL and invaluable tool in helping me deal with my addiction to tobacco...my motto throughout life has always been "help others and you help yourself".
Enuff of the serious side...let's get back to the PARTY

 

[mkbilbo]

I'm seeing a lot of posts about people switching back to normal ciggs and then switching back to vaping. Personally it makes me facepalm, but I want to know why people actually might do this?

Was smoking not a big deal to you in the first place? Did you not lose the appeal for the smell of burning carcinogenics? Did you throw away all your vaping supplies for some reason and not develop a smart plan to permanently wean off nicotine, or not think to keep a backup in case of anything?

I just don't get it, picking up smoking is a big mistake imo but getting off them and coming back when you have this alternative seems like a much bigger one.

If you don't "get it", be glad. Some things are better not "got".

Some folks have a predisposition to major addiction to nicotine (among other elements involved in smoking). I'm pretty sure, after years of trying to quit, that I'm one. After about a month of vaping and doing quite well on not smoking hardly at all now (down to maybe one a day and yesterday, none), I have reached the very strange place of no longer liking cigarettes but sometimes still missing smoking. Go figure?

(In fact, talking about smoking here sometimes has me wanting one. Even though I have a pass through right next to me and I'm vaping away. It's... strange.)

It's one of those things you don't want to understand. Trust me.

Somebody around here posted an April's Fools joke of a link to a fake FDA (our food and drug regulation body... or corporate owned competition controller... something like that) "press release" that they had banned all e-cig use. I was aware it was April 1st and intellectually knew not to trust, well, much of anything on the Net that day but had an actual panic attack. For real.

I don't want to go back to smoking. But I would. I know that with more certainty than I know the sun will rise tomorrow.

Now I have to try not to think about smoking because I want one. I don't like the things but I've been talking about them so I want one.

Sigh.

Listen, if you don't "get it", just be happy. But keep in mind we're talking an addiction. And "will power" has very little to do with it for many.

 

[mkbilbo]

No switch is ever successful. Once a smoker...

It really is more complicated than you think. So many people struggle so desperately. Others get their new kit and never light up another cigarette.

Ayup. I'm quite jealous of folks who just walk away from the cigs day one. I just hit my very first day of not even one cig and that was yesterday. Heh, actually realized near bedtime I'd not lit up even once. Decided once I'd thought about it, I should go to bed right then so I could make a first full day.

Talking about it, I can feel that "pull" right now. And I'm vaping. In fact, I'm vaping a lot to hopefully not go get a cig. Vaping, the vast majority of times, keeps whatever that "pull" is down to a level where I can ignore it. Get involved in doing something and not have it bugging me. But if I stop and think about cigs, I want one. Still. Never mind I don't even like the things anymore! And always regret it soon as I finish.

I was thinking about it yesterday, disappointed a bit that after a month, I was still "breaking down" once in a while. Then got after myself for feeling that way. I mean, 1.5 to 2 PAD to one cig a day? And I'm unhappy? Um... no. That's massive progress. Especially for me. Nobody, especially not me, believed I would reach this point.

It's easier for some, tougher for others. Everybody's different.

(Okay, not really jealous. Actually happy with my progress. Trying to stomp out any impulse to "compare" to anybody else. Only comparing to where I was and where I am.)

 

[mkbilbo]

That's very true. I know a lot of vapers here on ECF who just made vaping their hobby--they buy new toys all the time, they tinker, they mod, collect, improve, trade--they go overboard, yes, but if that helps them cope, more power to them! Whatever works.

I confess I thought (but would have never said) that at the beginning of being here, I thought making vaping a hobby to be a bit odd. It has since occurred to me that enjoying vaping is a great deal of what works for me though I'm less "into" the widgets and more into the tastes and... oh, experience of it? Vapor production and all that.

And far as hobbies go, one that keeps you from tobacco? Why not? What works, works.

Not to mention, after a while, it did hit me that even folks spending a fair amount of money on vaping as a hobby are still likely to actually save money. Health care is probably the most expensive thing going. Not to mention the other "costs" of time and energy and such things. I know in the past couple of weeks, I've gotten more done than I used to. I have more energy. Not "ready to run a marathon" maybe but more. I guess it's that "oxygen" stuff they talk about? I hear people believe it's good for you.



And I'd be one to talk. My love of tinkering with widgets is trying to collide with vaping. Watch me go DIY and "mod" and stuff...

 

[alex8039]

If you don't "get it", be glad. Some things are better not "got".

Some folks have a predisposition to major addiction to nicotine (among other elements involved in smoking). I'm pretty sure, after years of trying to quit, that I'm one. After about a month of vaping and doing quite well on not smoking hardly at all now (down to maybe one a day and yesterday, none), I have reached the very strange place of no longer liking cigarettes but sometimes still missing smoking. Go figure?

(In fact, talking about smoking here sometimes has me wanting one. Even though I have a pass through right next to me and I'm vaping away. It's... strange.)

It's one of those things you don't want to understand. Trust me.

Somebody around here posted an April's Fools joke of a link to a fake FDA (our food and drug regulation body... or corporate owned competition controller... something like that) "press release" that they had banned all e-cig use. I was aware it was April 1st and intellectually knew not to trust, well, much of anything on the Net that day but had an actual panic attack. For real.

I don't want to go back to smoking. But I would. I know that with more certainty than I know the sun will rise tomorrow.

Now I have to try not to think about smoking because I want one. I don't like the things but I've been talking about them so I want one.

Sigh.

Listen, if you don't "get it", just be happy. But keep in mind we're talking an addiction. And "will power" has very little to do with it for many.

I understand completely. Today I was researching about smoking and the thoughts about cigarettes made me break down and smoke one, even tho I didn't enjoy it. I guess it's a habitual thing. Best advice I read is to slowly change attitude about cigarettes, until the idea of them doesn't impact you emotionally.

 

[mkbilbo]

I understand completely. Today I was researching about smoking and the thoughts about cigarettes made me break down and smoke one, even tho I didn't enjoy it. I guess it's a habitual thing. Best advice I read is to slowly change attitude about cigarettes, until the idea of them doesn't impact you emotionally.

It's sneaky stuff.

Addiction is a complex subject and not all that well understood from what I've read. Lots of moving parts. As it were. And so many different influencing factors, it can vary pretty wildly between one person and the next.

Those folks who can put down cigarettes "cold turkey" without serious withdrawal and such? They drive me nuts. Make me almost angry. The lucky stiffs! I can't even imagine that's possible. But there it is.

But, yeah, reading about it, talking about it, I get the urge too. End up with weird little arguments going on in my head because I try reminding myself I don't like those things anymore. It's like having a young child in my head having a tantrum.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I understand completely. Today I was researching about smoking and the thoughts about cigarettes made me break down and smoke one, even tho I didn't enjoy it. I guess it's a habitual thing. Best advice I read is to slowly change attitude about cigarettes, until the idea of them doesn't impact you emotionally.

Apparently Scientists did a study and found the it takes 6- 12 months to "re wire" the brain in regards to tobacco addiction. I understand and believe in the re wiring of the brain as my wife had a serious health issue and part of the recuperation was in stopping the brain from re wiring itself in regards to pain. This was all explained to us in detail by the Therapists and Doctors- their advice paid off handsomely.

 

[mkbilbo]

Apparently Scientists did a study and found the it takes 6- 12 months to "re wire" the brain in regards to tobacco addiction. I understand and believe in the re wiring of the brain as my wife had a serious health issue and part of the recuperation was in stopping the brain from re wiring itself in regards to pain. This was all explained to us in detail by the Therapists and Doctors- their advice paid off handsomely.

Ah, I find that encouraging. I have noticed the "urge" to smoke a regular cig is a touch less each week that goes by. So I'm making myself not get upset over "slipping". But, instead, being happy the trend continues downward. Hopefully, I'm rewiring.

 

[Dansauls]

For me smoking was suicide on the installment plan. I had Lung surgery about a year and a half ago and went back to smoking after five days in the hospital with no cigs I was a 3 pad smoker for well over 35 years. I started ecigs with an Njoy a few years back the battery life was very short and the "juice" burned my throat. I only used it for about a month. I smoked for a few more years at 3 PAD then I decided to give ecigs another try after lung surgery. I got an Ego with some nasty juice and that lasted about 2 months. I smoked for another 6 months and knew I had to stop.
This time around I have found VV / VW and several juices I like, I have up graded my PV several times over and the smokers cough is gone. For me it’s an addiction to Nicotine and whatever else they put in Cigs and this time around vaping is working and I feel GREAT.

Life is good Vape hard

 

[alex8039]

Apparently Scientists did a study and found the it takes 6- 12 months to "re wire" the brain in regards to tobacco addiction. I understand and believe in the re wiring of the brain as my wife had a serious health issue and part of the recuperation was in stopping the brain from re wiring itself in regards to pain. This was all explained to us in detail by the Therapists and Doctors- their advice paid off handsomely.

I've read this too. I am scared however when I read stories of people missing cigarettes years after. It's what fueled my quitting anxiety and I was waiting for the right moment to quit thinking that the attitude I have at time of quitting will affect how my brain rewires itself. Ecigs are my first real attempt in months to do anything, I've always planned to 'cut down' but never did. Having 6 cigarettes in last 2 days with no stress is a big achievement for me but I'm still anxious.

How did stopping the rewiring help your wife?

 

[alex8039]

It's annoying how attached I am to smoking. I wonder if the negativity towards it fuels the addiction. I was technically an 'alcoholic' for about 5-6 months, drinking about half a bottle of heavy liquor 5-6 days a week and more on weekends. Changing that habit was hard, but I didn't have any of this anxiety attached to it, I decided to become a 'moderate' drinker. After some trial-and-error I lost the addiction and I literally had 3 drinks in the last 2 months ONLY because it increases smoking satisfaction...

Becoming a moderate smoker however is virtually impossible...

 

[Kidnapped]

For starters: What in the heck does "facepalm" mean??? (What can I say - I'm old!....)

As others have said, everyone's different; but, for me, I had no intention of switching when I started vaping. I saw it as ONLY a way to "get my fix" whenever and wherever I darned well felt like it. My switching was entirely involuntary (hence, my username.) I just found myself unable to go back to my analogs after just a few days of not being able to (comfortably) roll. Exclusively vaping during that time was just an alternative to my hands hurting any worse than they already were. (Cold weather does that to them.) I fully intended to return to smoking, as soon as my hands straightened back out; so, there was ZERO pressure or anxiety about switching. It was simply a matter of convenience, which removed the psychological factors. Once I was able to roll a batch, I started doing so; but, found that they tasted so terrible compared to my juice that I just didn't want them.

One factor in the above might be that my juice (1/2 clove and 1/2 orange/pineapple) was close to my analogs (I smoked unprocessed, leaf tobacco RYO's, with ground clove mixed in) for me to like the taste; but, different enough that my tastebuds went "WTH!?!?!" when I tried to go back. Also, since I didn't get into vaping as a means of quitting, my juices were all VERY high nicotine; and, gave me an even better "fix" than my analogs did. Over the past month, I'm finding that I'm having to mix them down with lower nic level juices; but, that's largely because I do chain vape most of the time. (I chain smoked my analogs, except for when I was really busy.) If my analogs didn't taste so bad to me right now, the mere thought of quitting would have me smoking. I have @1,000 pounds of real, unprocessed, leaf tobacco just sitting out in a storage trailer, IF I ever get back to it tasting decent to me; so, I have one heck of a "security blanket."

This leads to another point: I've been smoking UNPROCESSED tobacco exclusively since '99, which is an advantage that very few folks have. Manufactured "tobacco" has more chemicals in it than it has actual tobacco - it's basically a papermaking process! I don't even want to think about what kind of chemical garbage they put in manufactured cigarettes! I know that when I tried to smoke one (after having smoked about 3 packs a day of them for many years), about 5 or 6 day after getting my first case of flue-cured, it tasted like it had been soaked in floor stripper!!! I could TASTE NOTHING BUT all the chemicals. I wound up putting it out after just a couple of drags, giving the rest of the pack to my friend's wife, and going out to the car to get my RYO's... I'm not sure how to help those who are more addicted to the other chemicals than they are to the nicotine...

One other thing that might help folks is having back-ups for EVERYTHING... I only got into this in Feb. (couldn't say exactly when); but, not counting the 3 cigalikes I'd initially gotten, I've got 4 batteries (the original 650, the 1100 I upgraded to when I realized that I needed a spare, and the 2 1350's that I ordered shortly after that, for even more security); an assortment of clearomizers and tanks (partially as the result of searching for gear that'll hold up to my juice); and, a supply of juice that could last me probably at least 6 months - at least. Why??? For the same reason that I went back and bought 3 more 440 pound cases of the real tobacco, back in '03 - the prospect of "getting caught without" results in the equivalent of a panic attack... For someone just making the switch (and actually wanting to switch), this could (potentially) be misinterpreted as a craving for an analog...

Will l ever quit? I really don't see it ever happening; but, the ONLY way it would ever happen would be if it just happened to happen. I've been a hard-core smoker since 1970; and, I lost ALL interest in even trying to quit back when push began to try to force folks to quit. I see vaping as just a better tasting "cigarette" that no one can give me any crap about... As such, it removes all the the "quitting angst" that seems to lead so many folks back to smoking analogs. I'm guessing that folks going into vaping with the intent of quitting might be "shooting themselves in the foot;" but, if they'd take a lot more casual attitude about it, they might well find themselves just gradually reducing the nicotine level and eventually finding themselves down to such a low level that going to 0% is no big deal.

This might only help a small percentage of folks; but, for that small percentage, this kind of an attitude might be the ONLY attitude that'll work...

 

[tenshi]

I'm seeing a lot of posts about people switching back to normal ciggs and then switching back to vaping. Personally it makes me facepalm, but I want to know why people actually might do this?

Was smoking not a big deal to you in the first place? Did you not lose the appeal for the smell of burning carcinogenics? Did you throw away all your vaping supplies for some reason and not develop a smart plan to permanently wean off nicotine, or not think to keep a backup in case of anything?

I just don't get it, picking up smoking is a big mistake imo but getting off them and coming back when you have this alternative seems like a much bigger one.

I think many who go back to smoking is because they haven't found a system that satisfies their craving for analogs. I know I did after trying White Cloud for a couple of months. Although they were pretty good, it just wasn't enough. It wasn't till I got a performance e-cig that it was enough for me (and more lol). I wanted to add that it's not just vaping and going back, I know many who quit smoking cold turkey and then come back after months of not smoking. Unfortunately, triggers exist everywhere. Even now, there are times I'll read a post in e cig forums that make me 'think' of trying an analog again but thank goodness I am content with my mods/juices... etc. Learning to deal with 'triggers' is something that I will always have to work on, not just with smoking but with many things in life.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Having 6 cigarettes in last 2 days with no stress is a big achievement for me but I'm still anxious.

First of all forget about perfection. That's a HUGE accomplishment. One day you'll wake up and find vaping to be more enjoyable. Give yourself a pat on the back and forget about tomorrow. If I worried about the next day I can almost guarantee I'd be living in the streets drinking 4 Aces.

I've read this too. I am scared however when I read stories of people missing cigarettes years after. It's what fueled my quitting anxiety and I was waiting for the right moment to quit thinking that the attitude I have at time of quitting will affect how my brain rewires itself.

My wife and I took a self improvement course decades ago. I was skeptical but it had helped my wife get thru some very tough times so to show support I enrolled...at one point they told us to think about ALL the worrisome issues in our lives for 5 mins. After 5 mins the instructor asked if anything had changed with those issues- of course nothing had changed except my stress level.
Are things better than they were for you 2 days ago? When I first got clean and sober I took the smallest and tiniest of steps to achieve my goal- was told by by a number of people to whom I'm forever grateful to give myself credit for those "baby steps". It's all about the journey being stress free and as enjoyable as possible. You deserve to give yourself kudos for your achievements thus far. I certainly do

How did stopping the rewiring help your wife?

She broke her wrist- simple enuff. Thankfully the Therapists diagnosed her as having RSD- a chronic pain syndrome- VERY VERY PAINFUL.
RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
She HATES pills but was on oxycontin for 2 yrs- daily rehab for 1 yr. I had to apply her makeup and curl her hair each day. She's now 80% recovered. All she did was sleep, eat and exercise for the first yr.
The therapists recommended she purchase a Tens Unit- a controversial electronic gadget. Because of the intense pain her brain was becoming "wired" to that pain. The Tens Unit would send diff electrical impulses to her brain to prevent this re wiring. I know there are Tens skeptics out there but my wife swears by it in relieving her pain.

Realize also it takes at least 2 weeks for the alkaloids to vacate our system. I believe they are far more addictive than the nicotine.
Scientists did a study. They fed rats nicotine until they were "addicted" and placed a bowl of nic in the cage- rats wouldn't self medicate. Next they addicted the rats to nic+ alkaloids and placed a bowl of it in the cage. Rats made a beeline to it and immediately began self medicating.
What we are all doing is INCREDIBLE and we all have to give ourselves credit for this feat.

 

[eratikmind]

Final thoughts to my initial post on this topic . . .

I am thankful that I started vaping when I did. If I had started earlier, there may not have been the support and knowledge, which we have the benefit of, today. Today, there are soooooo many options with regard to vaping devices.

I am quite thankful to ECF and its stellar members . . . Thank you and spread the word.

Andy

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I actually recently converted a well known Newscaster. He smoked 1 PAD and went straight to zero nic juice. Three months later and not a single analog. Vapes 2 ml per week and he figures it was more the hand to mouth thing...different folks, different strokes IMO.

 

[T0rtitude]

It's all about sciency stuff that's beyond the comprehension of most of us. Everyones bodies are wired differently. I have a harder time giving up carbs than I do tobacco. My brain is wired to want wheat & sugar. But tobacco? Pffft. Don't need it, don't want it. I can go without vape too. It's not the end of the world. I don't think there's any reason to try and rationalize it. What's most important is getting your mind to a place where it can overcome physical and mental addictions. That's easier said than done.

 

[YKruss]

I think many who go back to smoking is because they haven't found a system that satisfies their craving for analogs.

This statement maybe true for some people.

For me it was just a free will considering that I started with M402 cig-alike auto topped with atomizer and 0.3 ml cartridge (not the best combination) almost 4 years ago (anniversary will be on May 1st).

BTW, my "free will" was encouraged by 2 heart attacks and believe me - there is no way I will ever go back to analogs.

 

[mkbilbo]

For starters: What in the heck does "facepalm" mean??? (What can I say - I'm old!....)

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