you didn't really quit smoking because you're vaping...

[DC2]

My biggest problem has been behavioral. I'm a retired computer programmer and project controls analyst. I realize now that smoking was largely an excuse for taking breaks from intense keyboard sessions. Just spending a few minutes each hour away from the grind helped keep my head straight and prevent burn out. I wish I had e-cigs much earlier!

Whenever I was stuck on some kind of programming solution, I would step out for a smoke.

The solution often presented itself within a few drags.
Sometimes I would be so eager to get back to the keyboard I would ditch my smoke halfway through.

If it weren't for cigarettes, I would have sat there staring at the computer screen for another hour or two with no progress.
And if it weren't for cigarettes, I never would have taken any breaks at all.

In fact, in my non-medical professional opinion, smoking is multiple addictions: nicotine, the act of smoking, and the physical addiction to all the other junk in cigarettes.

So maybe a fourth component to the smoking "addictions" is in order...
Maybe call it alone time, getting away from it all, a break from work, a break from life, some time to think.

But there is even more to it than that....

I would have a smoke before doing something I wasn't looking forward to doing.
I would have a smoke to get away from a social situation that made me uncomfortable.

Maybe I'm the only one that did things like this, but for me, it was what smoking was all about.
The nicotine and hand-to-mouth were secondary considerations for me.

 

[kristin]

So what if I'm too weak to just quit.

Are you really "too weak" to quit or (being completely honest now) do you enjoy it and not really WANT to quit? And what is so wrong with doing something you enjoy?

If we really think about it, before smokers found out smoking increased health risks, they didn't WANT to quit. There was nothing wrong with smoking and they enjoyed it. Very few people felt like a "slave to addiction" or a "weak addict" because they smoked. That only came after they were told they had to quit for health reasons. So, I find it hard to believe that all these smokers suddenly "want" to quit because they hate it vs. knowing they "should" quit because of the health risks or being shamed into saying they want to quit.

Now that we have something we can enjoy as much as smoking and it isn't a serious health risk, we should allow ourselves to let go of that "shame" for doing something we enjoy! I refuse to feel any more ashamed or embarrassed that I need/want my e-cigarette than other people feel ashamed or embarrassed for needing their several cups of coffee, energy drinks or caffeinated sodas to make it through the day!

 

[2coils]

If we really think about it, before smokers found out smoking increased health risks, they didn't WANT to quit. There was nothing wrong with smoking and they enjoyed it. Very few people felt like a "slave to addiction" or a "weak addict" because they smoked. That only came after they were told they had to quit for health reasons. So, I find it hard to believe that all these smokers suddenly "want" to quit because they hate it vs. knowing they "should" quit because of the health risks or being shamed into saying they want to quit.

Completely agree. I never really wanted to quit. I have always enjoyed smoking. I switched to e-cigs because I noticed my health deteriorate too much. Glad I made the switch, I have no plans on lowering my nic content or quitting altogether.

 

[kristin]

Completely agree. I never really wanted to quit. I have always enjoyed smoking. I switched to e-cigs because I noticed my health deteriorate too much. Glad I made the switch, I have no plans on lowering my nic content or quitting altogether.

I quit when I WANTED to quit. Three times for over a year each time I was pregnant. I didn't want to quit when I switched to e-cigarettes, either. I just found I enjoyed it just as much, if not more. I loved smoking but not how it made me feel and I also became concerned when I had my daughter at 39 years old and suddenly having those few extra years at the end seemed much more important. ANTZ believe we hate smoking as much as they hate it, so they readily believe it when smokers tell them they "want" to quit. Then they wonder why nicotine gum or will power "doesn't work." It DOES work, it's just that it's hard to give up something you not only are used to but you (secretly) enjoy. It's just taboo for anyone to say, "I enjoy smoking and I wouldn't really want to quit if I didn't have to." People who love sweets and junk food have low-fat, low calorie options so they don't have to really give up what they love. No one asks them "do you WANT to give up the foods you love" because they know it's a ridiculous question; but they assume smokers are being sincere about "wanting" to give up smoking and expect them to do it without any enjoyable, low risk alternative to replace what they are giving up. I'm sorry but a nasty piece of gum or a patch isn't anymore of a replacement for smoking than a cup of tofu with carob is for Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey!

 

[NickSteel]

Completely agree. I never really wanted to quit. I have always enjoyed smoking. I switched to e-cigs because I noticed my health deteriorate too much. Glad I made the switch, I have no plans on lowering my nic content or quitting altogether.

Both my sister and I have had chronic bronchitis since childhood. In fact, the majority of our family is asthmatic or suffers with this. Since switching, I have required no inhalers and both of us have improved dramatically. I imagine it is less distressing to cope with my e-cigs than listen to all the coughing and wheezing.

 

[jfalbanese]

there are also food safe paints, doesn't mean i'd intentionally drink them.

i phrased my original question from the 'devil's advocate' perspective, because that's the type of scrutiny this industry will eventually be under. if you bring outlier examples as your only defenses, they won't hold muster under more intense scrutiny. i don't have any bottles of e-liquid in front of me, but i don't believe they list ingredients on them. similarly to the way cigarettes(in the USA) don't have ingredients listed on their packaging either.

wise words. i compare everything with cigs when it comes to this stuff. when i try to explain it to others, i don't use words like quit, and such. i give the smoking alternative speech.

 

[2coils]

I'm sorry but a nasty piece of gum or a patch isn't anymore of a replacement for smoking than a cup of tofu with carob is for Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey!

NOTHING will ever be a good replacement for Chunky Monkey!!

 

[Rachy_B]

I have a few standard phrases:

- There's no smoke without fire. As there's no combustion, I can't be smoking.
- Would you say that if I was sat here chewing gum or wearing a patch?
- You've long since expressed a desire for me to stop smoking, would it make you happy if I started again?
- Something rude about where they should go
- Vegtable glycerine is in sore throat medications. Propelene glycol is in asthma medications- would you ask an asthmatic to not use their inhaler? Its also in mouthwash- do I stop caring for my oral hygiene? Nicotine is found in trace quantities of many varieties of food including aubergines (egg plants)- do I stop eating? Flavouring is found in virtually everything. Water is essential to life- shall I stop breathing/drinking/living to suit you?
- Some traditional NRTs contain hydrogen chloride. That's an acid. Like stomach acid. Do you really think that's healthy?!
- I suggest you go away and do some research and come back to me at least with an informed opinion.

Just to add a disclaimer, I've ONLY used these on friends with the exception of the first two and a toned down version of the last! Also, when I say 'friends', I mean the kind that know more than you because their Dad (not them) is a doctor and they always have to sound like they know better when they clearly, clearly don't (same ex-friend who broke my 1tb hdd and objectifies women!)! I also used a toned down version of the ingredients ones on my dental hygienist who was a total wally!

Now I read that back, I get really defensive abut my PV!x

 

[zapped]

Whenever I was stuck on some kind of programming solution, I would step out for a smoke.

The solution often presented itself within a few drags.
Sometimes I would be so eager to get back to the keyboard I would ditch my smoke halfway through.

If it weren't for cigarettes, I would have sat there staring at the computer screen for another hour or two with no progress.
And if it weren't for cigarettes, I never would have taken any breaks at all.


So maybe a fourth component to the smoking "addictions" is in order...
Maybe call it alone time, getting away from it all, a break from work, a break from life, some time to think.

But there is even more to it than that....

I would have a smoke before doing something I wasn't looking forward to doing.
I would have a smoke to get away from a social situation that made me uncomfortable.

Maybe I'm the only one that did things like this, but for me, it was what smoking was all about.
The nicotine and hand-to-mouth were secondary considerations for me.

At least part of the calming effect noticed by smokers in these situations comes from taking long, slow deep breaths like when you inhale.

You can get the exact same benefits without all the carcinogens and damage to your lungs by using deep breathing meditation instead. Look up the technique on youtube.

Ive found it extremely useful to lower stress and to help center myself throughout the day. You can do it almost anywhere.

 

[DC2]

At least part of the calming effect noticed by smokers in these situations comes from taking long, slow deep breaths like when you inhale.

You can get the exact same benefits without all the carcinogens and damage to your lungs by using deep breathing meditation instead. Look up the technique on youtube.

I'm sure a portion of the same benefits can be attained that way.

But you neglected to account for the calming effect of watching the swirling smoke on exhale.
And also the opportunity to mindlessly fiddle with something in my hand.


And let's not forget the whole "getting away from people" thing.
That often has more value than anything else.

 

[zapped]

I'm sure a portion of the same benefits can be attained that way.

But you neglected to account for the calming effect of watching the swirling smoke on exhale.
And also the opportunity to mindlessly fiddle with something in my hand.

Thats what we have pvs for.

I decided after 20 years of bartending that I needed a change and went back to school. I made jokes to my friends about taking a stress management class my first semester and as it turns out it was a VERY good decision. I had no idea how stressed that job had made me before using some of those techniques so I advocate them every chance I get.

Stress is powerful and sneaky.Sometimes you dont even know its there until its too late.

 

[DC2]

Stress is powerful and sneaky.Sometimes you dont even know its there until its too late.

You mean like when my shoulders are all bunched up, my neck is tight, and I'm getting a headache?

 

[73ckn797]

It's like trying to explain to a man what childbirth or even, god forbid, an ovarian cyst feels like.

I heard a man can only partially understand child birth by trying to pull his lower lip up over the top of his head.

 

[chohan]

When I get a close-minded response like that I usually take a long six second drag, exhale a huge plume and then do my best Mick Jagger impression while singing the chorus to "Get Off of My Cloud."

It doesn't actually win the debate but at least it leaves them laughing.


cheers

 

[oxygen thief]

I don't really care what anyone else thinks I never have. The whole vaping thing? I think the biggest gripes you will get it from the non or "dry" smokers as I have started to call them at this point. Everyone has heard of a dry drunk , I swear there are "dry smokers" out there who are just as mean and nasty.
I ignore them.

That's genius, I hadn't put that together. Lot of alcoholics in my family so I know the drill. I think dry smokers are worse. I could give a great example but I shouldn't bring up what happened on the internet one day. But I really want to.

 

[KraKsX]

so my question here is, how do you deal with this? and by that i mean other than arguing. you can never convince anyone of anything by trying to force them into a corner. you can possibly get them to admit that you are right on certain points but you just put them on the defensive and inside their opinions don't change much.
is there a good metaphor that people can understand easily? by that i mean something along the lines of vaping being the equivalent of sugar free candy for diabetics or soy burgers for vegans or something around those lines.

Iv had 4 smokers (friends) bit*h at me, saying i havent quit, or still calling me a smoker.
since then, 2 months have passed...
3 have moved to vaping (cig style) the 4th is still saying what he has been <<< F him,
One wont do it, he will go back to analogs <sadly>
One just started (as i know), so i will give time (said just a week ago, he wouldnt even try my 'vaping')
One is now 'getting' interested in what i have been saying from the start, and I will get him to give eGo's a real try

So I think its more about time, then anything else.

 

[zapped]

That's genius, I hadn't put that together. Lot of alcoholics in my family so I know the drill. I think dry smokers are worse. I could give a great example but I shouldn't bring up what happened on the internet one day. But I really want to.

Why not? Maybe your experience and insight will help someone whos had the same problem.

I agree wholeheartedly about the "dry smoker" comparison as well.

 

[Vaptor]

I'm not interested in quitting something I enjoy. I'm only interested in doing it the healthier way.

 

[jfalbanese]

Iv had 4 smokers (friends) bit*h at me, saying i havent quit, or still calling me a smoker.
since then, 2 months have passed...
3 have moved to vaping (cig style) the 4th is still saying what he has been <<< F him,
One wont do it, he will go back to analogs <sadly>
One just started (as i know), so i will give time (said just a week ago, he wouldnt even try my 'vaping')
One is now 'getting' interested in what i have been saying from the start, and I will get him to give eGo's a real try

So I think its more about time, then anything else.

at the end of the day. it's all about you. screw everyone else.

 

[Crimzen Eyez]

I consider myself to be an ex smoker because i am no longer smoking analogs however i can understand the reasoning behind someone saying that i have not given up smoking because their seeing me vape but they don't understand that there is a big difference between the two.