Will my cravings for cigarettes ever go away?

[MorpheusPA]

Oh, sorry--you may need to play with your nic levels, yes! I started at 12 mg, found that to be too low, and eventually stabilized at 24 mg. That was way before any temperature control or higher wattage devices were on the market, though, so your mileage may vary these days.

My mother did very well starting at 12. Two cousins ended up at 18.

You can very easily cut back in the future, just start mixing your 12 mg with some 6 mg to make 9 mg. You probably won't even notice the change.

I've weaned myself down to 1 mg. My mom? 0 mg--she's nic-free.

 

[Douggro]

As Train2 pointed out, balance the nicotine level with the coil you're using. Lower Ohm coil = less nicotine content. Using 1.6 coils, I started out at 18mg juice then rolled down to 12mg juice for a few and settled on 6mg juice as my standard for those tanks. With my TC mod with 0.5 coils, 3mg is what I'm using - the higher nic level juices start getting too harsh with sub coils. I found a bottle of that 18mg juice a while back and vaped some of it; it was really harsh throat hit compared to what I've gotten used to.

Everybody's a little different and we all take different amounts of time to wean off the cigs and drop the nic levels in our juices. Don't compare yourself to others. Allow yourself a setback or two and don't feel bad about it; you're on the road to getting off the cigs and that's a Good Thing! I still get the odd craving for a cig once in a while, and I have yet to succumb. I just tell myself I don't need to smoke and can wait until my next hit on my vapes.

 

[Jorge22]

You're having hardly any cigarettes at this point - I call that a progress. I quit smoking the exact same day I started vaping, almost five years on, but we're not all the same... Hmm, start pushing thoughts of what smoking may eventually do to your health into your subconscious mind, do that one day at a time until you're actually afraid of what smoking may do to you. That might help. It helped me but I did it when I was still smoking, so when I first vaped I was already convinced.

 

[jensy]

Be proud of yourself for what you already have accomplished! You are seeking advice instead of giving up. Don't be afraid to try different nic levels, new equipment and keep asking for support and advice.

The cravings become few and far between and last less and less each time. When I first quit and came on this forum and saw people that had quit smoking for a year or two I thought OMG will I ever get there. Well I use to be a 2 pkg a day smoker for 32 years and now I am coming up to my second anniversay of being smoke free. I think my success is because of this forum and the amazing people, I am stubborn when I want to be and I never gave up looking for my satisfying vape.I went to Vegas where everyone was smoking and I still did not smoke at all,that really say's something.

Just remember STAY THE COURSE because Roxy you are worth a healthy life.

 

[Roxyco]

Be proud of yourself for what you already have accomplished! You are seeking advice instead of giving up. Don't be afraid to try different nic levels, new equipment and keep asking for support and advice.

The cravings become few and far between and last less and less each time. When I first quit and came on this forum and saw people that had quit smoking for a year or two I thought OMG will I ever get there. Well I use to be a 2 pkg a day smoker for 32 years and now I am coming up to my second anniversay of being smoke free. I think my success is because of this forum and the amazing people, I am stubborn when I want to be and I never gave up looking for my satisfying vape.I went to Vegas where everyone was smoking and I still did not smoke at all,that really say's something.

Just remember STAY THE COURSE because Roxy you are worth a healthy life.

This post is really encouraging - thank you.

That's probably my hardest challenge - the fact that I am the only one vaping out of all my friends/co-workers. My friend from abroad told me to try it out, but without the face to face support and comfort of even seeing people around me vaping, it's my biggest hurdle. Out drinking with friends (most blowing cigarette smoke into my face!) and me sat their with my e-cig feels a little odd and it just doesn't feel quite the same (even though I know I'm getting the nicotine I crave).

However, I'm also a very determined person, and have my mind set on quitting. I've tried all sorts in the past and even quit cold turkey for 6 months after reading Allen Carr's book, but unfortunately found myself back in the horrid rut of smoking.

Praying that vaping is the way forward for me and the support and stories from this thread alone have been so positive and gives me so much motivation! Thanks guys!

 

[Jman8]

Don't drink alcohol if the intention is to quit smoking. Or at least hold off on drinking alcohol for say 6 months until you are more confident that you won't crave one.

I think cravings go (mostly) away after 30 days without a smoke. Small inklings of a desire to smoke may always be with you, but those generally pass in 10 minutes or less, with very little effort. In first 30 days, it may take an hour for the desire to pass.

Me, I dual use, but smoke less than 1 cig a day. I drink so rarely that it is non-issue for me. But if I were going to drink more than one alcohol beverage, I'd allow myself to smoke and to enjoy smoking. A smoke with alcohol, IMO tastes better than vaping. So, if I go say 8 days without a smoke, then drink 4 alcohol drinks, I may smoke 4 on that day. The next day I'd likely return to vaping (mostly to only), no drinking and continue on my merry way. IMO, moderate smoking rocks. I like very much that vaping affords me the opportunity to do both.

And I've gone cold turkey before, for up to 8 years. Really loved the liberation during that period, but moderate smoking offers liberation from the addiction and it is so rare that I crave a smoke now that I consider it a non-issue regardless of how many I may smoke today/tomorrow/next month.

 

[Roxyco]

Don't drink alcohol if the intention is to quit smoking. Or at least hold off on drinking alcohol for say 6 months until you are more confident that you won't crave one.

I think cravings go (mostly) away after 30 days without a smoke. Small inklings of a desire to smoke may always be with you, but those generally pass in 10 minutes or less, with very little effort. In first 30 days, it may take an hour for the desire to pass.

Me, I dual use, but smoke less than 1 cig a day. I drink so rarely that it is non-issue for me. But if I were going to drink more than one alcohol beverage, I'd allow myself to smoke and to enjoy smoking. A smoke with alcohol, IMO tastes better than vaping. So, if I go say 8 days without a smoke, then drink 4 alcohol drinks, I may smoke 4 on that day. The next day I'd likely return to vaping (mostly to only), no drinking and continue on my merry way. IMO, moderate smoking rocks. I like very much that vaping affords me the opportunity to do both.

And I've gone cold turkey before, for up to 8 years. Really loved the liberation during that period, but moderate smoking offers liberation from the addiction and it is so rare that I crave a smoke now that I consider it a non-issue regardless of how many I may smoke today/tomorrow/next month.

Very true - although my intention is to completely kick the habit, I guess I should look at the grand scheme of things. A couple of cigs when drinking, compared to up to 15 a day is a huge, huge step forward.

At this point, after all the amazing comments, it seems I should continue just like I am and the desire to smoke cigs will lessen as I get more and more into vaping.

Thanks!

 

[Roxyco]

You're having hardly any cigarettes at this point - I call that a progress. I quit smoking the exact same day I started vaping, almost five years on, but we're not all the same... Hmm, start pushing thoughts of what smoking may eventually do to your health into your subconscious mind, do that one day at a time until you're actually afraid of what smoking may do to you. That might help. It helped me but I did it when I was still smoking, so when I first vaped I was already convinced.

Thank you very much for this

 

[woodhippy]

Out drinking with friends (most blowing cigarette smoke into my face!)

I would get new friends.
Keep your head high and continue to vape. You can do this. And All of us here will be here with you. And for you.
And go by the Running - Wow! Koopor & Smok Giveaway - 200 Koopor Plus and 200 TFV4 Mini's to be won thread for a chance to win some gear. Lots of good folks over there.
And Welcome to the forum.

 

[Roxyco]

I would get new friends.
Keep your head high and continue to vape. You can do this. And All of us here will be here with you. And for you.
And go by the Running - Wow! Koopor & Smok Giveaway - 200 Koopor Plus and 200 TFV4 Mini's to be won thread for a chance to win some gear. Lots of good folks over there.
And Welcome to the forum.

I didn't mean it quite like that haha. They aren't intentionally doing it, but they definitely have no idea what I'm doing sat there with my vape and look at me like I'm smoking some kind of {Other stuff}. Either way, more fool them!

Honestly overwhelmed with all the responses.

Never even been into a forum before, nevermind posted anything, but this is perfect for giving me the motivation I need to quit. Thanks again!

 

[Nimaz]

Thank you for sharing your story. Can I ask how long you've been vaping for?
As you seem to have been a similar smoker to me, do you think 6mg is too low for me? I do find myself smoking it quite a lot. Is the next level up 24mg or is there something in between I could try? Thanks again.

I've been vaping consistently for 3-4 months now, without smoking except for the short relapse that I mentioned. 24mg/ml was high for me to start but a few puffs were just enough to keep the cigarette craving away. The nicotine buzz was pretty high and I was at 2 maybe 3ml of ejuice/day. I shifted down to 18mg/ml after 10 days for about 20 days. Then I started to make my own juice with a greater flexibility in nicotine levels so I went from 18 to 15 then 14, from 14 to 12 then 9 back to 10 and now I am at 12. 6mg/ml is definitively to low for me to try... until i design a ejuice so flavorful that it would make me forget about the nicotine hit... Keep in mind that your gears will evolve in time. Overall, there is not specific method. You should be able to set your own paste, without struggle but rather pleasure because vaping is just more enjoyable than smoking and much less harmful. Be proud of yourself for your achievement to date!

 

[WereBear]

I agree with everyone's advice so far. Like Jman8 I am also a duel user that went from 2 packs a day to 1 pack a week (so far.) I like to say "I'm not good and giving up things I love but like most people, I'm very capable of *neglecting* things I love when something newer/better comes along."
I don't like to ration myself either. I vape until I crave smoke then I go buy a pack and duel use until the pack runs out. Could be for a weekend or just a day but I just don't crave tobacco for at least a week afterword. I have even found myself absentmindedly hitting my vape in the middle of smoking an analog cig because the vape tastes better.

tldr: Don't try to "quit" smoking. Just tweak your vaping setup till you like it *better* than smoking. The only thing to quit is to quit beating yourself up over a cigarette or two.

 

[Roxyco]

I agree with everyone's advice so far. Like Jman8 I am also a duel user that went from 2 packs a day to 1 pack a week (so far.) I like to say "I'm not good and giving up things I love but like most people, I'm very capable of *neglecting* things I love when something newer/better comes along."
I don't like to ration myself either. I vape until I crave smoke then I go buy a pack and duel use until the pack runs out. Could be for a weekend or just a day but I just don't crave tobacco for at least a week afterword. I have even found myself absentmindedly hitting my vape in the middle of smoking an analog cig because the vape tastes better.

tldr: Don't try to "quit" smoking. Just tweak your vaping setup till you like it *better* than smoking. The only thing to quit is to quit beating yourself up over a cigarette or two.

Really helpful - thank you.

 

[Roxyco]

Oh, sorry--you may need to play with your nic levels, yes! I started at 12 mg, found that to be too low, and eventually stabilized at 24 mg. That was way before any temperature control or higher wattage devices were on the market, though, so your mileage may vary these days.

My mother did very well starting at 12. Two cousins ended up at 18.

You can very easily cut back in the future, just start mixing your 12 mg with some 6 mg to make 9 mg. You probably won't even notice the change.

I've weaned myself down to 1 mg. My mom? 0 mg--she's nic-free.

Yes, definitely need to play around with the nicotine levels and flavours 'til I get it right.

I also have a separate question, hope you don't mind answering.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I don't have ANY friends or co-workers around me who also vape, which is giving me a few troubles in terms of understanding this world of vaping!

I vape a few puffs during the day as and when I need the nicotine, but find myself (for example now while I'm chilling on an evening) vaping a lot more, sometimes constantly for a good half an hour. Is this safe to do (I'm a little concerned I'll end up smoking more than I was when I was smoking cigarettes, or is that even an issue if it's the e-cig I'm smoking).

Sorry again for the ridiculously low level of knowledge - fully aware I sound like such a newbie! This forum is so helpful it's a dream!

 

[MorpheusPA]

Yes, definitely need to play around with the nicotine levels and flavours 'til I get it right.

I also have a separate question, hope you don't mind answering.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I don't have ANY friends or co-workers around me who also vape, which is giving me a few troubles in terms of understanding this world of vaping!

Been there, done that. I was the pioneer among the people I know, including five smokers. So I had to learn everything myself (here) and lead the way for the others. Today? Zero smokers remain, we've all converted, and we all have our individual preferences on liquids, toppers, and battery styles.

Although I do confess that one of my cousins and I have a bit of a friendly competition going on vape gear. Every holiday we whip 'em out. His is always bigger...

I vape a few puffs during the day as and when I need the nicotine, but find myself (for example now while I'm chilling on an evening) vaping a lot more, sometimes constantly for a good half an hour. Is this safe to do (I'm a little concerned I'll end up smoking more than I was when I was smoking cigarettes, or is that even an issue if it's the e-cig I'm smoking).

Given the current universe of data, the most honest answer is, "we're not completely sure, but this doesn't look even a tenth as bad as smoking, and that's the high end maximum." We simply don't have long-term usage data since it hasn't been around that long. Short and medium term data doesn't show any major obstacles (those studies that do tend to have major methodological issues).

However, we do have long-term (decades) of data on propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and some of the flavors, like menthol. Those aren't a problem. PG's so safe we use it for lung treatments for lung transplant patients, and to dilute IV medications.

So in my case, from a chain smoker to a chain vaper, there's no doubt that I did a good thing. My blood tests, blood pressure, and X-rays show that definitively.

For a more casual user, I might advise to try to limit yourself to just as much as you smoked...but if you have to vape more to stay off the cigs, do it.

 

[Roxyco]

Been there, done that. I was the pioneer among the people I know, including five smokers. So I had to learn everything myself (here) and lead the way for the others. Today? Zero smokers remain, we've all converted, and we all have our individual preferences on liquids, toppers, and battery styles.

Although I do confess that one of my cousins and I have a bit of a friendly competition going on vape gear. Every holiday we whip 'em out. His is always bigger...



Given the current universe of data, the most honest answer is, "we're not completely sure, but this doesn't look even a tenth as bad as smoking, and that's the high end maximum." We simply don't have long-term usage data since it hasn't been around that long. Short and medium term data doesn't show any major obstacles (those studies that do tend to have major methodological issues).

However, we do have long-term (decades) of data on propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and some of the flavors, like menthol. Those aren't a problem. PG's so safe we use it for lung treatments for lung transplant patients, and to dilute IV medications.

So in my case, from a chain smoker to a chain vaper, there's no doubt that I did a good thing. My blood tests, blood pressure, and X-rays show that definitively.

For a more casual user, I might advise to try to limit yourself to just as much as you smoked...but if you have to vape more to stay off the cigs, do it.

Thank you!

 

[bluecat]

Took me a few months as a dual user. I finally just didn't pick up a smoke. I had the phantom ghost smoke smell every morning, throughout they day, and right before bed. That delicious freshly lit cigarette smell. It took me over a year and some WTA liquid for the craving to subside. 3 years in and every once in a while I still crave a smoke.

I wish I was as lucky as others that were able to quit and not have a craving immediately. After the first week of getting frustrated, I finally just said whats the worse that will happen? I stopped worrying if I would ever stop smoking and just stopped one day. Now someday the cravings will probably be gone for good. Actually, I am contemplating quitting vaping. That's another story though.

 

[Roxyco]

Interesting - thank you for that. Sorry to sound like a complete beginner, but I keep hearing people saying 'WTA liquid'. What does that mean? Ideally, yes, I'd like to not be smoking anything if I can help it! But for now, if I can majorly cut down on cigs and vape I'd be more than happy than spending god know what on cigarettes every few days!

Another unrelated question if you don't mind answering - do you find that you save a lot of money vaping? It seems from looking around this forum that people are investing quite a bit on all sorts of equipment and special liquids and so on. If I'm sticking to my current e-cig and just spending on the coils and liquids, am I likely to be saving money in the long run?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Roxyco]

Interesting - thank you for that. Sorry to sound like a complete beginner, but I keep hearing people saying 'WTA liquid'. What does that mean? Ideally, yes, I'd like to not be smoking anything if I can help it! But for now, if I can majorly cut down on cigs and vape I'd be more than happy than spending god know what on cigarettes every few days!

Another unrelated question if you don't mind answering - do you find that you save a lot of money vaping? It seems from looking around this forum that people are investing quite a bit on all sorts of equipment and special liquids and so on. If I'm sticking to my current e-cig and just spending on the coils and liquids, am I likely to be saving money in the long run?

Thanks in advance!

*saving money compared to smoking regular cigs.

 

[anavidfan]

My thoughts on cravings are this....

Part physical/ chemical and psychological.

When you vape your are working on the physical and chemical part. Technically your metabolism doesnt know the difference.... Nicotine. Yes there are tons of other chemicals that are put in cigarettes that cause problems, but we wont go into that.

So whats left, its the psychological part.

Researchers have come up with an arbitrary number of what it takes for a habit to become a habit. They say doing something consistently 80 times will set it as a habit.

When I started vaping I did it as is I were smoking. I did it at the same times, same place. I also started with a cig-alike which satisfied my hands and mind. It went on like that till I was only vaping. It was hard at a few times. The coffee time, stressful times, etc. I still once in a while crave it mostly like a nice memory, nostalgic.

In the last almost 4 years I have a few occasions when I tried one of someone else's cigarettes and I did not feel guilt nor sense of failing, I ignited my old friend "Zippo" lit the cigarette with that wonderful anticipation , like when you are about to enjoy a favorite food. I take a deep breath, enjoy the smell and then when I inhale a puff, YUCK.... GIve it to someone, cause they are expensive and I hate to waste or crush it out.

I still take in a deep breath and feel that nostalgic feeling when I walk past a smoker. I smile and inhale and take a puff of my vaporizer and shrug.

Its not so much a craving its like remembering an old friend. All the memories of times past. Like the "blues"