Will my cravings for cigarettes ever go away?

[MarleysChains]

Hi everyone. I'm very new to vaping and have just got into it the past 2 weeks because my friend recommended it. At first I was sceptical and didn't really see how it could work for me, so I vaped for a few minutes and then just lit up a regular cigarette. But I'm enjoying it more and more now... I've gone from smoking around 10-15 cigarettes a day to hardly any at this point. The problem is, I'm still getting cravings for regular cigarettes (especially when I'm drinking alcohol) and have had a couple here and there which disappoints me. I see people saying how they went from smoking a pack a day to 0 just like that after they discovered vaping and this just isn't happening for me. I wonder if anyone else experienced something similar to me at first, and more importantly, will this go away so I can enjoy a life without cigarettes and just be happy vaping? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (Apologies for rambling on!)

I started Vaping about 2-3 years ago after smoking a pack a day for roughly 17 years. Initially I had dropped down to about 6-10 cigs a day and by week 3 I was down to 0. But, I didn't stay at 0 for very long. I had also found that I was getting cravings for cigs and was quickly back up to 6-10 cigs a day. It didn't help that my wife was still smoking, but if I'm being honest with myself, the choice to light up was mine and mine alone. Anyway, I continued to to go between vaping and smoking for quite sometime. What made me stick with vaping was that it had significantly cut down on the amount that I was smoking and I knew that it would eventually be the way for me to completely get off cigs.

There were a couple of things that have helped me stay of cigs for the past 6-7 months. First was that I had been switching between vaping and smoking for a couple of years and had an honest conversation with myself about my intentions of quitting smoking. When I realized that I really did want to stop smoking I decided that no matter how strong of a craving for a cig that I had I would vape until it went away. I found for myself that a good 5-10 min vaping session usually did the trick. The second thing that I found worked for me, was when I switched to sub ohm. Now, sub ohm is not for everyone, and I wouldn't necessarily encourage or recommend someone who is new to vaping switch to sub ohming, but for me, I just found that it was more satisfying. It also allowed me to drop my nic levels and not really miss the higher nic level. I just started 3mg about a week ago, and I am vaping more than usual, but I think it's just the adjustment period for me.

Anyway, don't get discouraged if you have a cig from time to time. You're still smoking less than you would be if you didn't vape at all, and that's a huge accomplishment. The switch to vaping is journey, and everyone has a their own path to get there. Best of luck in quitting smoking!

 

[Stratm69]

Yay, I'm not sure why my posts are getting deleted. Thanks? Just thought I would take an hour out of my day to follow and share some general knowledge on helping a new vaper, guess I was wrong...

 

[Jazzman]

I experienced this a little last night... I ordered 10 new liquids and was choosing between all these flavours I never even knew existed. I'm actually really excited for the package to arrive and to try them out and see what works for me! I'm such a loser haha

When you are new(ish) to vaping, I think it's really important to try lots of different flavors to find what appeals to you. If you can find a few flavors that you really enjoy your transition from smoking becomes very easy. But it's also important to have a high enough nic level to satisfy the nic fix you need.

One of the big benefits of not smoking, or at least limiting smoking, is that your taste buds will come out of hibernation and you will start to really taste the nuances in foods, drinks, and vapes. Most long time smokers that start to vape need strong flavors to be able to taste them. As you smoke less most vapers tend to change flavor likes and dislikes because they can now taste the subtle flavors that they haven't tasted for years. Then vaping becomes even more enjoyable.

If you have a local vape shop with a juice bar, make a point to go and taste lots of different juices to find what you like. If it satisfies your palate you will find vaping even more enjoyable and make quitting smoking that much easier.

 

[Roxyco]

Yay, I'm not sure why my posts are getting deleted. Thanks? Just thought I would take an hour out of my day to follow and share some general knowledge on helping a new vaper, guess I was wrong...

Thank you for your help and suggestions.

 

[Roxyco]

When you are new(ish) to vaping, I think it's really important to try lots of different flavors to find what appeals to you. If you can find a few flavors that you really enjoy your transition from smoking becomes very easy. But it's also important to have a high enough nic level to satisfy the nic fix you need.

One of the big benefits of not smoking, or at least limiting smoking, is that your taste buds will come out of hibernation and you will start to really taste the nuances in foods, drinks, and vapes. Most long time smokers that start to vape need strong flavors to be able to taste them. As you smoke less most vapers tend to change flavor likes and dislikes because they can now taste the subtle flavors that they haven't tasted for years. Then vaping becomes even more enjoyable.

If you have a local vape shop with a juice bar, make a point to go and taste lots of different juices to find what you like. If it satisfies your palate you will find vaping even more enjoyable and make quitting smoking that much easier.

Thanks for this... Yeah... It's definitely all about trying what's out there.
Another unrelated question if you don't mind... Do you find that at different times of the day, your vaping experience is better/worse? I'm finding that first vape in the morning very itchy in my throat and makes me cough quite a bit. In the evenings (like now while I'm vaping) I'm enjoying it much more, and find the smoke thicker and smoother the more the day goes on. Just me? Thanks

 

[Roxyco]

I started Vaping about 2-3 years ago after smoking a pack a day for roughly 17 years. Initially I had dropped down to about 6-10 cigs a day and by week 3 I was down to 0. But, I didn't stay at 0 for very long. I had also found that I was getting cravings for cigs and was quickly back up to 6-10 cigs a day. It didn't help that my wife was still smoking, but if I'm being honest with myself, the choice to light up was mine and mine alone. Anyway, I continued to to go between vaping and smoking for quite sometime. What made me stick with vaping was that it had significantly cut down on the amount that I was smoking and I knew that it would eventually be the way for me to completely get off cigs.

There were a couple of things that have helped me stay of cigs for the past 6-7 months. First was that I had been switching between vaping and smoking for a couple of years and had an honest conversation with myself about my intentions of quitting smoking. When I realized that I really did want to stop smoking I decided that no matter how strong of a craving for a cig that I had I would vape until it went away. I found for myself that a good 5-10 min vaping session usually did the trick. The second thing that I found worked for me, was when I switched to sub ohm. Now, sub ohm is not for everyone, and I wouldn't necessarily encourage or recommend someone who is new to vaping switch to sub ohming, but for me, I just found that it was more satisfying. It also allowed me to drop my nic levels and not really miss the higher nic level. I just started 3mg about a week ago, and I am vaping more than usual, but I think it's just the adjustment period for me.

Anyway, don't get discouraged if you have a cig from time to time. You're still smoking less than you would be if you didn't vape at all, and that's a huge accomplishment. The switch to vaping is journey, and everyone has a their own path to get there. Best of luck in quitting smoking!

Someone just explained what sub ohming means, but could you explain to me the difference in terms of what I am vaping?

I really went into vaping with no knowledge whatsoever... A friend just sent me the Curve (iStick I think it's called in the States) at 1.5 ohms with a couple of 6mg juices and told me to give it a go while I'm still smoking (no pressure) and see what happens. I didn't give it a chance at first, and definitely did no research and had no idea how popular they are in the UK and USA. But once I did, I decided okay... I really do want to quit smoking now and if all these people can do it, so can I.

So I vaped a little bit while cherishing my last pack of cigs... A few days ago I decided to actually give vaping a chance and since 3 days ago haven't had 1 cig or even had the desire to buy a new pack. The only thing I'm struggling with right now is the harshness of the vape in the mornings. I'm really enjoying it in the evenings, but for some reason it's scratchy and harsh on my throat with my morning coffee, even up til lunch. Don't know if that's something you (or anyone else) experiences/experienced. Trying to drink a lot while vaping too, which does help.

 

[MarleysChains]

Someone just explained what sub ohming means, but could you explain to me the difference in terms of what I am vaping?

I really went into vaping with no knowledge whatsoever... A friend just sent me the Curve (iStick I think it's called in the States) at 1.5 ohms with a couple of 6mg juices and told me to give it a go while I'm still smoking (no pressure) and see what happens. I didn't give it a chance at first, and definitely did no research and had no idea how popular they are in the UK and USA. But once I did, I decided okay... I really do want to quit smoking now and if all these people can do it, so can I.

So I vaped a little bit while cherishing my last pack of cigs... A few days ago I decided to actually give vaping a chance and since 3 days ago haven't had 1 cig or even had the desire to buy a new pack. The only thing I'm struggling with right now is the harshness of the vape in the mornings. I'm really enjoying it in the evenings, but for some reason it's scratchy and harsh on my throat with my morning coffee, even up til lunch. Don't know if that's something you (or anyone else) experiences/experienced. Trying to drink a lot while vaping too, which does help.

So what your using is a standard coil (not sure if that's the right term as I've also heard it referred to as above ohm vaping). Above 1 ohm doesn't require the amount of power that vaping at below 1 ohm does. Sub ohming also produces much more vapor than standard ohm, which means you will get more nicotine per hit, which is why most who sub ohm vape at low nic concentration 6mg or less. This is the really basic description of sub ohming. I dont build my own coils or use unregulated mods, so I haven't learned all the ins and outs of coil building and ohms law. In terms of the harsh feeling your getting, sub ohming wont help with that. It could be related to the kind of juice your vaping. What percentage PG to VG are you using? Some people have an allergy to PG and have found that when the switch to a greater concentration of VG or go 100% VG juice that it helps with the harsh feeling that the get in their throat.

 

[Jman8]

Trying to drink a lot while vaping too, which does help.

I thought I told you not to do this.

I kid I kid. Also humorous, in a few months when you are further past cravings, someone will post a thread just like yours, and you'll be on the other side giving advice. Perhaps laughing a little as you write realizing, wow, I was exactly where this person was just a few months ago.

 

[Robino1]

Yay, I'm not sure why my posts are getting deleted. Thanks? Just thought I would take an hour out of my day to follow and share some general knowledge on helping a new vaper, guess I was wrong...

Your posts are still there on her other thread

I just checked and none are being deleted

 

[Roxyco]

I thought I told you not to do this.

I kid I kid. Also humorous, in a few months when you are further past cravings, someone will post a thread just like yours, and you'll be on the other side giving advice. Perhaps laughing a little as you write realizing, wow, I was exactly where this person was just a few months ago.

I mean drinking water haha

 

[VNeil]

Thanks very much and thanks for sharing your story... Can I ask... do you find yourself spending less overall on vaping as apposed to smoking cigs? I've just spent like $100 on liquids, but hoping in the longrun this will last me and will be cheaper than cigs. Thanks

Two best ways to vape on the cheap....

1. Find hardware that works and be happy. Don't expect the next mod or topper to be some sort of nirvana
2. Learn to DIY and cut your juice costs over 90%

You're doing great! And you aren't a loser as you suggested on the prior page, because you bought a lot of juice. You're a huge winner because you are quitting. It's all about quitting. How you get there or how many flavors you need to buy to get there and stay there is just an incidental detail.

 

[MarleysChains]

You're doing great! And you aren't a loser as you suggested on the prior page, because you bought a lot of juice. You're a huge winner because you are quitting.

This is a great point. Phil Busardo recently posted to his FB page about someone who apologized to him and said they felt guilty for not having the latest and greatest device. He said no one should ever be made to feel guilty because they don't have the latest gear and that as long as what you have keeps you off cigs, then that's all that matters. Sometimes people get all caught up in needing the latest and greatest of everything and look down on those who don't have what they deem superior. No one should be put in this position, whether it be about the type of device they have, the flavor juice they prefer, or the amount they've spent on vape gear. It's all about staying off cigs, all the rest is just minutiae.

 

[Jazzman]

Thanks for this... Yeah... It's definitely all about trying what's out there.
Another unrelated question if you don't mind... Do you find that at different times of the day, your vaping experience is better/worse? I'm finding that first vape in the morning very itchy in my throat and makes me cough quite a bit. In the evenings (like now while I'm vaping) I'm enjoying it much more, and find the smoke thicker and smoother the more the day goes on. Just me? Thanks

Yes, yes, and yes. When I started vaping I was vaping a 50/50 PG/VG mix of 12mg nic juices and found it pretty harsh in the morning. But after about half a cup of coffee it was fine. I learned to take very small puffs until I had some coffee and that pretty much took care of the harshness for me. A little later I went to a 30/70 PG/VG juice and didn't experience that anymore. The higher VG juice was never as harsh, even in the morning. I also tried higher VG juices, but found the flavors were not as crisp and appealing. It was like the VG muffled the flavor a bit. Dunno it that is true for anyone else, but it has always been that way for me.

Also, one of the best things about vaping for me is the flavors. Unlike cigarettes with the same constant flavor day in and day out... vaping has so many flavors I really enjoy that I have several devices and tanks to enjoy different flavors during the day. I like a bit of coffee, mocha, or caramel in the morning, then switch to lighter fruit flavors during the day, and like desert flavors at night after dinner. I think it would be boring to stick to one flavor all the time. And my favorite flavors are a moving target. I like to try lots of different flavors and am constantly surprised by flavors I really like that by the description I thought I would hate. But yeah, different flavors during the day is a large part of the enjoyment for me... something I never got out of cigarettes.

 

[Roxyco]

But yeah, different flavors during the day is a large part of the enjoyment for me... something I never got out of cigarettes.

Thanks for that. And yeah... it's beginning to be fun to try different flavours... makes things way more interesting than the same taste of the cigarette. I am still having the cravings here and there, but it's mainly breaking the habits I've been so used to (after the meal cig, cig with morning coffee and so on). As well as this, there's the 'social stigma' I guess you could say about vaping where I am. Absolutely noone is vaping at my work or out of my friends, so it can make me feel a little stupid at times (like the girl puffing a way on a childish shisha pipe or something), but I'm beginning to enjoy vaping so much and crave cigs less and less that I'm not caring so much....

 

[Bunnykiller]

well.... its been a few days now, have you noticed any drop in cravings???

 

[Roxyco]

well.... its been a few days now, have you noticed any drop in cravings???

Unbelievable drop in cravings! Haven't smoked for 4 days now a single cigarette... trying to vape over the slight cravings I'm having. The funny this is, I'm not even thinking about missing cigs (like I was when I wrote the post) as if I'm giving something up. I'm realising more and more the evil tobacco trap that is smoking. If I'm still missing cigarettes, I just think to myself 'wow... imagine how many other nasty chemicals I was/still am addicted to from cigarettes, if after my nic fix from vaping I STILL think about cigarettes). Would like to thank everyone for their comments. As I've mentioned a few times now, I'm not living in an area where anyone vapes, so this forum has been beyond helpful for me. I'm determined to be like you guys and soon be giving advice to others and saying yuck to cigarettes for good. Thank you!

 

[lunloon]

Congrats! I dislike cig smoke now.

 

[Roxyco]

Congrats! I dislike cig smoke now.

Good for you! I'm still at the stage where I like the smell of a burning cig, but I'm reminding myself of the horrid, vile stench of the aftermath.

 

[Robino1]

Good for you! I'm still at the stage where I like the smell of a burning cig, but I'm reminding myself of the horrid, vile stench of the aftermath.

I sometimes still like the smell of a cigarette when it is first lit. I have gone past the point where it 'calls' to me.
It's now kinda like when you have already eaten a great dinner and smell a food cooking and think to yourself: that smells good. But you're satisfied enough to not want what your smelling.

 

[GeorgeS]

Personally, I like using dual nicotine level with two full setups. In one tank/setup I'll have high nicotine and the other I'll have <= half the nicotine as the other one.

I'll use the low nicotine setup to satisfy my 'motor reflex' needs to chain vape and when I start having thoughts, urges or desires for a cigarette I'll grab the high nicotine setup for a hand full of draws/pulls.