For the super-addicted: Is vaping really needed?

[collateral diarrhea]

This post is for those who have really struggled with smoking addition.

Take this with a pinch of salt and don't get offended (if you do then fuck you lol ). Again, this is intended for the type of people who have failed so please fuck off if you're about to type up some kind of self righteous post about how using the right kit is the way to go or if you're about to post a link to a self-help thread.


Hey guys and girls,

Just wondering if anyone feels the same way about smoking and vaping in general. I'll start by saying that vaping is simply amazing and opens up a plethora of new opportunities, hobbies and ideas. But perhaps it is not meant for everyone...

So I'm a 28 y.o. guy and have been a heavy smoker for a long time (smoked since about 9 "casually" then heavily since 14). This habit followed me throughout life. I've given up certain vices, the kind that destroy lives, without much thought or hesitation. But when it comes to smoking, well, you know how it goes...

When i first heard of vaping back in 2010 or so, i never really took it seriously, just kinda figured that it is some kind of new fad that will die out. And to be honest I was so deep into the "Fuck this i might as well accept that I'm fucked" thing that i didn't want to bother. But then i somehow gave it a chance, you see I just HAD to criticize my colleague for trying to quit and going on the vape. He randomly walked in with a shitty cigalike, so i went "this is dumb" and after trying a cigalike I decided to get a CE4 kit just to prove this idiot wrong once and for all. BUT i ended up quitting smoking for 3 weeks. Then I found POTV and got a Nautilus based on advice given here.

What followed was a new way of thinking and a great new hobby. I quit smoking. This made me exercise, lead to more productivity, I started mixing, building and reading about electronics thanks to this new hobby. I tried every tank, mod and juice at the time. At the same time I was going through a severe case of vape tongue and was unable to (still can't) taste most juice. But none of that mattered - I quit smoking and thank god for that!

So naturally, I decided buy a pack of smokes again, because I'm fucking invincible. Fast forward 18 months...I am smoking and vaping while building and mixing and spending time & money on vaping AND smoking.

After about 45 tanks, 6 RDAs, 11 external mods and 4 internal mods...I am back to where it all begun. Vaping on a 1.8ohm Nautilus coils with 1.2% nic using a Nugget mod.

I tried to not smoke and it worked. I got nicotine consumption to 0mg but never gave it up. I failed and started smoking again, and now I am quitting again by going back the the original setup. But i don't want to make a full circle again, i'd rather break it completely.

Is there anyone else in this position?
If so, my premise is: I am weak and must go cold turkey. Vaping will not work for me anymore.

The question:
Do you feel like the best chance you have is to just quit without vaping, or quitting after trying vaping, given the fact that the reason you ended up vaping is because you were too weak to give it ALL up in the first place?

Given the fact that vaping, your best chance, doesn't work for you - how are you going to stop? WILL you stop?

I just wanna hear you opinions guys.

P.S. Please, no motivational quotes.

 

[Simon G]

I tried many times to stop smoking (for over 30 years, I must have tried seriously about 10 times)

This comment

"given the fact that the reason you ended up vaping is because you were too weak to give it ALL up in the first place?"

Is very true for me, I'm vaping because I'm a addict and I'm too weak to quit without it ... vaping gives me the sensation and nicotine I got when I was smoking, I'm still vaping 12mg liquid and I don't really see that changing.

If I wasn't vaping I would probably still be smoking.

But I don't really care because vaping stops me from smoking and it stops me having to torture myself every year trying to give up, failing, feeling miserable, feeling guilty and almost dying every winter from a common cold. I don't cough my lungs up every morning any more and I'm not harming people around me.

So, I'm happy vaping and I won't ever go back to smoking and I'll probably die an addict. Vaping for me is harm reduction, not a way to quit my nic intake ... I choose gear and liquids that replicate my old smoking experience fairly closely.

... not what you are asking for but that's my thoughts.

 

[jaydoginvasion]

I gave up on the fags 4 years ago but still vape.
Toy with the idea with stopping vaping but I'm currently a happy non smoking vaper.
One habit will kill me the other won't.

 

[crustyfolker]

Don;t take this the wrong way but only you can decide what to do. Personally i smoked for almost as long as you have been alive but decided to quit smoking 3 years ago. I just put my mind to it and did it.
All my friends who i have not seen for over 3 years would be shocked i no longer smoke especially after 25 years of Weed smoking. I too thought i would never quit being a toker as i enjoyed it so much and it was a big part of my daily life.
But here i am 3 years on a vaper. I chose to put my mind to it, i decided to be strong and never go back to smoking anything on a daily basis and apart from the odd Bob Marley on special occasions i am just vaping 3mg nic with the knowledge its 95% safer than tobacco smoking.
So you must have willpower to do what you propose all i can say is good luck to you and remember it is possible and you can do it.

 

[Simon G]

I tried to not smoke and it worked. I got nicotine consumption to 0mg but never gave it up. I failed and started smoking again, and now I am quitting again by going back the the original setup. But i don't want to make a full circle again, i'd rather break it completely.

The way to break that cycle is not to drop to 0mg and not to start smoking again.

Why did you start smoking again? why didn't you just buy some 18mg liquid and get puffing away on that?

Vaping is a bloody miracle to me but it's not magic, you still have to choose to not smoke.

 

[Still-Learning]

I smoked for maybe 18 years, got to the point I was paranoid about the throat pains and stuff I was getting, which last year it made me go and buy a cheap little vape setup. At first I struggled with it, maybe for around 2 months as it just wasn't a fag. so I used both for that period. then one day I got a real bad sore throat, was paranoid again it was the big C word, an said once it goes I'm sticking to the vape. an then for maybe 3 months I was dependent on the vape. now I just feel I do it for a hobby, as I enjoy it.

But to answer the question... 5 years ago I quit cold turkey, this time round I needed the vape.

 

[collateral diarrhea]

I tried many times to stop smoking (for over 30 years, I must have tried seriously about 10 times)

This comment

"given the fact that the reason you ended up vaping is because you were too weak to give it ALL up in the first place?"

Is very true for me, I'm vaping because I'm a addict and I'm too weak to quit without it ... vaping gives me the sensation and nicotine I got when I was smoking, I'm still vaping 12mg liquid and I don't really see that changing.

If I wasn't vaping I would probably still be smoking.

But I don't really care because vaping stops me from smoking and it stops me having to torture myself every year trying to give up, failing, feeling miserable, feeling guilty and almost dying every winter from a common cold. I don't cough my lungs up every morning any more and I'm not harming people around me.

So, I'm happy vaping and I won't ever go back to smoking and I'll probably die an addict. Vaping for me is harm reduction, not a way to quit my nic intake ... I choose gear and liquids that replicate my old smoking experience fairly closely.

... not what you are asking for but that's my thoughts.

No matter what happens, dying as an addict (to something) is what i also accept And i can't commend you enough for doing this for others around you because you care about them!!!

Cheers for sharing man! That is exactly what I'm asking for - your opinion. I am in a place where i just need to know what others in this position think!

 

[stevoknevo]

We're all addicted to something be it nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, drugs, gambling and sex. Being addicted to nicotine isn't bad for you, being addicted to smoking is.

You sound as if you have self doubt with regards to quitting smoking but that is a natural thought process as it's generally something you enjoy, and therefore don't want to give it up - but you know smoking is bad for your health so you're willing to try something different.

I'm a specialist addictions nurse and we follow the six stages of change model by DiClemente and Prochaska which is as follows:

Stage 1: Pre-contemplation
People in this stage may be aware that there are repercussions related to their addiction, but they minimize or justify their choices, seeing more benefit than deficit. Not a great deal of desire to change and to an outside observer, it may seem as if they are sleepwalking through their lives, quite unconsciously. This is when I plant seeds and do a written cost/benefit analysis with clients.

Stage 2: Contemplation
People in the contemplation stage have become aware of the greater impact of their addictive behaviours, yet they are uncertain if it is worth the effort to effect change. They may be open to considering change “someday.” I have had young clients who have said, “When I’m 18, I’ll stop smoking pot.”

In advance of stage three, people make a decision and have a glimpse that the costs overshadow perceived benefits. Behavioural change becomes a possibility. It is not a “one and done” decision, but rather a process over time.

Stage 3: Preparation
At this stage people begin to see that they are responsible for their choices and have the power to make life-changing decisions. They need to do it for themselves, but need not do it by themselves. They set an intention to gather resources, whether it is in the form of therapeutic intervention, 12 step meetings or other sober supports. They set a timeline and may make a verbal or written commitment.

Stage 4: Action
In stage four, people take the actual steps to engage in positive mental, emotional and physical change by immersing themselves in addiction recovery, not just abstinence from their drug(s) of choice. I call it a “life makeover” that could include developing a fitness plan, dietary adaptation, as well as time with positive people and activities that are heart- and soul-nourishing. I ask them to “re-write” their life story, reminding them that their history is not their destiny.

Stage 5: Maintenance
People in the maintenance stage have become able to sustain these patterns. I liken it to a fitness routine. On the first day of workout at a gym, you are not as strong, flexible and energetic as you will be a year later. The more you practice, the easier it gets. People are more aware of triggers and stressors that could lead to relapse. It is more than merely a rote exercise, but rather an integrated aspect of themselves.

Stage 6: Termination
At the termination stage people can gaze into the mirror and behold a new man or woman. I have heard clients proclaim, “I no longer want to be that guy.” They consider it unthinkable to return to their former lifestyle. It is when I also ask them if they could imagine anything worth losing their sobriety over. At this point, most say no. Even in the face of major loss, they know that if they maintain their resolve to remain clean, they can enjoy a new life.

Although the Stages of Change is an orderly approach to understanding recovery, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum and is not always linear. People can move back and forth through the stages and relapse is always possible. I frame it not as failure, but as a re-set and renewal of determination.

Not words written by myself, but very much a model I follow professionally

 

[jaydoginvasion]

No matter what happens, dying as an addict (to something) is what i also accept And i can't commend you enough for doing this for others around you because you care about them!!!

Cheers for sharing man! That is exactly what I'm asking for - your opinion. I am in a place where i just need to know what others in this position think!

Same boat as you mate, stay with the vape, don't force quiting it unless you're happy to do so.
Just be happy you're not on the fags.

 

[Still-Learning]

thing is, as an addict.. to whatever it is, the person will never stop until they're ready to do so.

So until that time comes from yourself, don't beat yourself up about it.

but the not smelling of smoke anymore is a massive plus point lol.