When an individual desires to quit smoking, they often feel like the ideal solution would be to simply put down the cigarettes and be done. However, the truth is that cigarettes are addictive, which means that trying to abstain from them cold turkey can lead to a variety of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This leads many individuals into trying alternative quitting methods[1], including nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and even nicotine inhalers. Unfortunately, these options don’t always totally handle the intense cravings that drive individuals to light up, and therefore don’t help the individual to quit smoking permanently. With the sudden increase in popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping, one may wonder whether this is a good alternative.
Using Vaping to Quit Smoking
The primary reason an individual has a hard time when they want to quit smoking is because they are addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes. Therefore, when an individual is trying to use e-cigarettes or vaping to quit smoking, it is advisable that they begin with the strongest and highest nicotine levels they can find. They may still experience some degree of withdrawals from regular tobacco cigarettes, but they should be more manageable.
Once an individual has become comfortable with their e-cigarette or vaping habits and is no longer desperately craving cigarettes, they should drop their nicotine level down to a more manageable range–to medium strength. This can take some getting used to, but will be more beneficial in the long run. However, if an individual is still trying to acclimate to the difference in e-cigarettes or vaping, and is still really forcing away their cravings for tobacco cigarettes, they should take their time in making this transition so that they don’t become so agitated that they simply return to cigarettes.
After an individual has become comfortable with medium-strength nicotine levels, they will come to a point where they know they can drop to the low-strength nicotine levels. They may begin to forget about their e-cigarette or vaping altogether, or at least for longer periods of time, and realize that they don’t feel quite so dependent upon it. They may still crave nicotine[2], but not to the degree that they feel hopeless if they cannot get it immediately. It is valuable to intentionally leave one’s e-cigarette or vaporizer at home on occasion, and learn how to operate within their daily routine without it.
It may take some time, but an individual who converts to e-cigarettes or vaping can gently wean off of tobacco smoking and even all nicotine use, and then experience a happier, healthier life as a result.
[1] http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1259742 [2] http://www.vapersoul.com/more-about-vaping/do-e-cigs-have-nicotine/