The article started off by making reference to the study published by Public Health England in 2015, which found vaping to be at least 95% safer than smoking, and led to the UK completely endorsing the products as smoking cessation aids. Manuel pointed out that although not completely risk free, they are a much safer option than cigarettes and should be considered as a final step in kicking the deadly habit.
The writer relayed his own experience on how for a matter of months he went through a phase where he was both smoking and vaping, and points out that for those who are serious about quitting cigarettes, it is important to not get stuck in this “half way territory”. He wrote this article to offer advice on how to get it right, based on his own experiences.
Tips from a successful ex-smoker
The first point the author made was the importance of using a vaporizer in the right way. Since a single cigarette puff contains a much higher level of nicotine than one from an e-cigarette, one needs to first figure out the amount of puffs they need in order to inhale the sufficient amount of nicotine. Failing to obtain the sufficient amount will leave ex-smokers craving the stimulant and might easily lead them to reaching for a cigarette.
It is important to point out that there are many different models of vaporizers, and the ideal ones for smoking cessation are the ones where you can adjust the amount of nicotine you inhale, in order to be able to minimize over time.
It is suggested that at first you keep it simple, rather than experimenting with liquid flavours and fancy devices. The simpler and familiar it feels, the easier the transition will be.
Maintaining the right attitude
The ex-smoker suggests not thinking of this journey as “giving up smoking”, but rather breaking a habit. Attitude is everything, so it’s imperative to focus on the goal. He pointed out that at first when you are still vulnerable, triggers should be identified and avoided. So if for example lunch breaks, or lighting up after a meal are weak spots, socialising with fellow smokers at these times should be avoided, until the individual gets stronger. In the beginning, giving up completely shouldn’t be the main focus, and baby steps should be taken, one step and one trigger at a time. Each time a trigger is eliminated, the person can start focusing on overcoming another one.
Why e-cigarettes and not other NRTs?
The most known addictive factors of cigarettes, besides nicotine, are the hand to mouth motion, and the smoke exhalation. These two can only satisfied by e-cigarettes, hence why the devices are known to be the most effective smoking cessation aids, and why other nicotine replacement therapies, such as the patches, fail most of the time.
It is important to mention that nicotine is not in itself what makes cigarettes toxic and the substance is in fact used medicinally to treat certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It is other chemicals such as Carbon Monoxide which makes cigarettes deadly, and although e-cigarettes are known to also contain traces of harmful substances, the amount detected is insignificant in comparison to those in cigarettes.
Take control of your health
Despite this, no one is suggesting e-cigarettes as long term substitutes, and once an ex-smoker has weaned themselves off nicotine completely, they should start working on putting away their vaping devices. The author suggested following a Smoking Timeline published on Huffington Post to monitor how the small steps in quitting, directly affect your health.
Those are all very good tips. It’s great that e-cigs are now a thing. I remember how many methods I tried to stop smoking before I knew about this alternative. It was very frustrating to go through it all, I almost stopped trying after so many failed attempts. But then a friend of mine borrowed me his vapour2 vaporizer at a party. I knew about them before but I always thought it was something complicated and that I wouldn’t like it… Week after the party I bought my own vaporizer and I’m vaper ever since.