Anyone who has ever touched a butane-powered flame to the tip of a cigarette knows that on the scale of near-impossible things that can be accomplished, quitting smoking is right up there with hunting a wild unicorn or developing expert knowledge of tax law. Hyperbole aside, walking away from tobacco products can be a daunting endeavour for even the heartiest and wilful among us, perhaps made all the more difficult by years of continuous use.
Like dieting, the anti-smoking movement has clung to many quit smoking tips over the years – things like drinking water, cold turkey (literally), and chewing gum for instance – all to no avail. Thanks to e-cigarettes however, it seems that at long last there is a device that can help smokers give up the habit once and for all.
Making a Case: Transitioning to E-cigarettes
Helping a friend or loved one give up cigarettes and other tobacco products can be tricky, but not because smokers are in denial about the very real health risks associated with smoking. In fact, legislators and anti-smoking lobbyists have done just about all they can do in terms of educating the public on the perils of smoking. The difficulty stems from dealing with the addiction (read: nicotine).
To that end, e-cigarettes offer up an appealing on-demand nicotine delivery system for smokers who are looking to quit, but fear they may have trouble getting over the nicotine hump. Additionally, e-cigarettes don’t burn the e-juice, which means that by switching over you’re effectively slamming the door in the face of harmful carcinogens that would otherwise have free reign to enter your body via conventional cigarettes.
Start Small. Transitioning May Take Time
Everyone is unique. There is no right or wrong way to transition away from cigarettes; as long as you’re working towards this ultimate goal, you’re well on your way. For first time buyers, you may want to steer clear of bundled products (at least initially). While they may provide you with everything you need to start your new life as a vaper, you may not like/need all the components they contain, and you may not be a fan of the liquid provided.
If you have the time, consult some product reviews online, but know this: vaping is all about personal preference, so don’t buy the fanciest device off the shelf right off the bat. Talk to other vapers and find out why they like the products and e-juice they use. If you’re unsure vaping will be something you’ll pursue over the long term, consider purchasing the components individually (tank, battery, charger, and liquid) to test the waters before you jump in with both feet.
Once you’ve bought your products, it’s time to start vaping – but that doesn’t mean you’ll be ready to discard your cigarettes entirely. For some, the transition period can be as long as six months; for others, less than a week.
The point is, you’ll want to work your vaping into your regular smoking routine gradually. For example, if you typically need a cigarette ever two hours, try to alternate between cigarettes and vaping. Over time, reduce the amount of cigarettes you consume by giving yourself a goal each week.
Carry a Back Up Battery – Just in Case
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If there is one additional accessory new vapers should spring for it’s an additional battery. Think about it – if you’re craving a cigarette and you’re out of power, the chances that you’ll relapse will grow exponentially. If you have two batteries you can rest easy knowing that one is fully charged at all times so when a craving hits, you’ll be prepared.
Keep the Ashtrays Around, at Least for a Little While
Smoking is all about behaviour. If you’re used to setting your cigarette down in an ashtray, continue doing so with your e-cigarette. There’s no harm in it – in fact, doing so can help to subconsciously reinforce the act of vaping as a smoking alternative.
Experiment, Experiment, Experiment
In the days and months that follow, be sure to experiment with the many different flavours and nicotine levels available at any vape shop or online distributor. Doing so will not only help to keep it exciting, but you may find that you become receptive to flavours you once didn’t like as your senses of taste and smell become heightened once again.
Article Submitted By Community Writer