I’ve never smoked/vaped and I do not plan to anytime soon, but I’m curious of how quitting is like once you’re addicted.

  • Macaroni_ninja@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    Ex-smoker/vaper here.

    First put down the cigarette after 10+ years of smoking in favor of vaping. This was probably the easiest transition as I like gadgets and the whole vaping culture back then (UK) was huge. Everyone was getting the latest vapes with fancy features, the best juices and flavors. Regular vape maintenance, refilling and coil changes become a great substitute for cigarette rituals.

    There was a huge downside of overdoing it. I mean in the beginning a lot. There is no control, no recommendation, and mainly no bad smell. You just whip out the vape indoors, while waiting for the bus, literally anytime.

    There is the other issue (at least back then 5-6 years ago it was not really regulated) you could buy juices with any nicotine concentrate, even mix your own. Some of my coworkers even got headaches from overdosing nicotine.

    Luckily after a year or so I got kind of bored of the whole vape culture as more vapers developed this self centered asshole personalities, where they think they could start blowing flavoured clouds into the face of others anywhere because “it’s safe, it’s not smoke” and other stupid reasons.

    In the last few months I slowly reduced the nicotine content and reached zero nicotine juice state. Also, I made strict “outdoors vaping only” policy for myself. Without the nicotine I felt less and less will to go outside, just to inhale flavoured vape so I stopped altogether.

    For 5 years now I am now nicotine-free and about 7 years without cigarettes, never looked back.

    In summary: Vaping is a great tool to quit smoking, but needs careful planning and self control.