Has Vaping Actually Helped People Quit Smoking Cigarettes?
While the hardest chunk of quarantine is over, COVID-19 is still on the rise, which means stress still lives deep in people’s bodies. It’s not news to anyone that stress is probably the top reason smokers resort to chain smoking all those cigarettes – but is there a better way to go about it?
Sure, you can join most of the population and start vaping, but will it really help? Does it actually do anything? To start, vaping is actually better for you, as you’re inhaling water vapor instead of smoke and ash. If you’ve tried completely quitting cigarettes, you’ve probably learned the hard way that it’s the most difficult way to quit – and slowly smoking less and less is only slightly less difficult. Why not satisfy those cravings while also saving your body and naturally weaning off cigarettes?
What are some reasons you should switch to vaping to help you quit smoking? For starters, it’s generally better for your health, as several studies have shown. It’s also not as publicly embarrassing due to the odor and second-hand smoke you’d get from cigarettes. Some other promising reasons include:
Less littering, as you can’t really put out a cigarette on the ground then pick it up and throw it out. Who wants to deal with that, anyway?
No more of that unappealing scent on your clothes, fingers, and breath. Your partners and friends will be thankful, trust us.
Saving more money overall
No more “smoking sections” in public places. You can use a disposable vape almost anywhere.
What’s in these disposable vapes, you’re wondering? Exactly what you read on the box.
Vegetable glycerin (VG), which is basically just for flavor.
Propylene glycol (PG) and/or polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is usually mixed with VG, which affects the vape clouds.
Flavor, like the flavorings used in candy, or essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint.
Nicotine. Or, if it’s a zero nicotine vape, then no nicotine!
Studies have shown that vaping e-juice has the same results as other nicotine substitutes, such as patches or gum, whether that e-juice has nicotine or not. Because vaping gives smokers the feeling of smoking a cigarette, it’s much easier to wean off cigarettes due to your body not really understanding the difference. You can smoke a disposable vape without nicotine if you’d like, which is just one less step on your journey to quit smoking completely.
You’re probably wondering, why even bother quitting gradually? Why not just stop right then and there?
You absolutely can! However, be prepared for some side effects, including:
Psychological symptoms of withdrawal, which can get very intense
Giving up and going right back to smoking cigarettes
Insomnia
Headaches – and bad ones!
Sweating
Serious constipation and/or diarrhea
Increased appetite, or even the increased desire to eat something, as your oral fixation isn’t being given any attention anymore
These side effects may last quite a while, depending on how long you’ve been smoking for. However, there are side effects that will only last a few days, but are still unpleasant:
Irritability
Anxiety
Lowered mood
Difficulty concentrating
Intense cravings, but that’s already a given
The bottom line is, be careful and be kind to yourself when considering quitting cigarettes, cold turkey or not. It’s a difficult journey either way, and most people go through it these days, so make sure you have support!
