This is a post which sat as a draft since March 31st, 2012, which I wrote the day after I started Vaping. I’ve been using these electronic cigarettes for quite some time now, but decided to publish this one anyway – expect another update shortly.
Even though I haven’t been doing a whole lot of blogging lately, I’ve still been on the internet as much as usual and my latest focus has been on personal vaporizers, or e-cigarettes. From here on I will refer to it as a vaporizer since it’s important to understand that it’s anything but a cigarette. No tobacco is burned, no smoke is produced, and no harmful chemicals are being inhaled… or exhaled, and it doesn’t stink! Even though there is a visible vapor, using a vaporizer is not smoking; it’s vaping. Vaporizers are essentially not a smoking cessation device, but an alternative to cigarettes. That said, yes – I quit smoking cigarettes, I just didn’t quit nicotine and found a method that works for me. At the time of writing this, it is perfectly legal to use a vaporizer delivering nicotine in most public places where smoking is prohibited (it is of course best manners to ask first because the decision is essentially up to the owner).
What I bought was just a couple of Ego 510 threaded 650mah manual batteries, a package of Kangor cartomizers, a charger, and a couple of drip tips. This is probably about as basic as it gets without buying a low quality brand, and this set up does work but is not the best for the long term. It’s about the same length as a standard pen, and even though it isn’t held like a cigarette I haven’t had any problems getting used to it.
The first thing I quickly learned was to not, at any time, leave the room without my vaporizer in hand. In fact, after the first couple of hours I kept it in my hands at all times. Every time I set the thing down, I pulled a cigarette out of my pack without even realizing what I was doing. Now, I did manage to put down all but one of these picked up cigarettes and replace them with my vaporizer but just the urge to pick up a cigarette when my hands were empty was quite overwhelming. With the vaporizer in my hand, every time I felt the urge I took a puff and all was well.
The next thing I learned was that the same flavor, after about an hour, just doesn’t taste the same. Swap flavors. As often as possible. I was lucky and managed to buy 8 different flavors from a local vaper for a very reasonable price, but I would suggest starting out with at least 3-4 different flavors.
Everything I have read about vaping has suggested that there would be a significant learning curve in inhaling techniques, but in my case I found that to be untrue. I credit this to the fact that I smoke from a pipe quite often, and also smoke my cigarettes in a similar fashion (pulling the smoke into my mouth, and then inhaling it after moving the cigarette away from my lips). If you draw the smoke directly into your lungs on every drag, it will take you a little longer to get the hang of it.
By the end of the day, I lit a cigarette partially to see if I had been missing out on anything and partially out of my habit of smoking immediately before going to bed. After just a few puffs, my chest started tightening and I put it out in favor of my Timmys Ice Cap flavored vape. Today, I’ve only smoked 1.5 cigarettes and I probably didn’t even need those. At this point, less than 24 hours in, I’m almost certain that I will never buy another pack of cigarettes again as long as I don’t run out of juice to refill my vaporizer.
I’ve heard the saying “The worst thing you can do when quitting smoking is tell people”. Telling people sets you up for criticism if you fail. Well, I’m telling you all now and I certainly hope I don’t fail! I honestly think everyone who smokes should try these. Even if you only use it part time, every cigarette not smoked is a step forward. Do some research, figure out which model would suit your needs, and buy it! Once I feel more confident and have tried a few different models I’ll start giving some suggestions but for now I’ll say this: Would you buy the cheapest sex toy available just to see if you would like using toys? Well maybe you might, but the people that do that often end up with the opinion that they don’t like toys before trying another. Go for something you can afford, but do your research and know what your buying. Like always, watch reviews on YouTube, read opinions on forums, and make sure to shop from a reputable retailer. Don’t rely too heavily on written reviews found on websites which only write e-cigarette reviews; it is my opinion that the majority of these seem to be written by manufacturers and/or retailers and read as a sales ad.
Next up: How to use an electronic cigarette.
I’ve never been a smoker but I know many friends and family who have battled with trying to quit. Glad you found something to help you out.
I wish I had never started smoking, there are people out there that claim to have been able to quit without any problems but more than anything I hear about people failing in their attempts. Myself included!
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve never had a cigarette, but everyone else in my family smokes and my parents have tried to quit SO many times. I’m sharing this with them!
I’ve tried to get my Mom to switch to a vaporizer, and she did try it a little bit but couldn’t get used to the learning curve. It made her cough and she is quick to be discouraged, I think she’s also too stubborn to ever fully quit. She’s tried all the prescriptions there is and still smokes a pack or more a day.
I wish she would quit, but I’ve managed to get a few friends to switch and will continue trying with my Mom
It took my mother-in-law years to quit smoking so I know what a struggle it is. Good for you for doing so!
Thank you! The unfortunate side of using a vaporizer is if it gets broken or lost, the cravings and nicotine addiction are still there so it is an alternative rather than a full out quit smoking method. The great part about it is that it isn’t really a struggle at all once past the learning curve.
Interesting. I’ve never been a smoker however I watched for years as my mom tried to quit. She’s been off for 4 years now. I haven’t heard of Vaping before… but if it works, people should definitely give it a try.
Everything comes with the disclaimer that “what works for me might not work for you” but this is one thing that I really do feel would work for anyone who is willing to give it a chance beyond the first impression. Or, even beyond the first brand name. Like I said, it made my Mom cough and she immediately assumed it wouldn’t work for her and seems unwilling to try again.
There are people who aren’t fully satisfied with only a vaporizer and only use it part time but after the first couple of days for me cigarettes tasted bad and even though I get the cravings, the cigarette itself just isn’t appealing because of the taste and smell.
I’ve heard that too about telling people, but I think it doesn’t weigh much into it, unless you are looking for their accountability.
You can do it!
And I guess I will not let all this stress makes me start.
I guess the problem with telling people is that many people fail to quit, and then have to answer to people when they are seen smoking again. It does fall under accountability I suppose, but I think it’s also to save face if one does fail.
Congrats on your accomplishment!! I’m glad it worked for you! it is definitely a hard habit to break!
Thank you! I don’t think I would be able to quit out right, I do envy people who can but am quite happy with my vaping for now.
I’ve been using an e-cigarette off and on for the past several months. I need to get a battery charger and/or some additional batteries because mine died on me and that’s why I have not been using it and yes – reverted back to smoking regular cigarettes. I hate it. I am SO ready to quit and this is just more proof that using my e-cigarette will be a big help in doing so! Thank you for this candid post!