Try E-Cigs To Help You Quit Smoking Cigarettes
80An online friend introduced my husband to electronic cigarettes in the spring of 2009. The gentleman explained that he had given up smoking and was convinced that electronic cigarettes were the perfect answer for someone wishing to eliminate tar and thousands of other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, but who weren't yet able to kick the addiction to nicotine. Since my husband has long been interested in giving up smoking, he thought this might be an alternative worth looking into. Indeed it has been.
It is important to note that e-cigarettes are not recommended for non-smokers, pregnant women or those under 18. This device still delivers nicotine and should be kept out of the hands of children. It is similar to the nicotine patch or gum in that it delivers nicotine to the user. Most companies offer varying doses of nicotine, you can begin to wean yourself from nicotine by lowering the dosage. It's also important to note that the nicotine delivered is not derived from tobacco.
As always, the decision to switch to e-cigarettes should be an INFORMED decision made by an adult, with the consultation of his/her physician, particularly when other health factors are involved.
You can certainly replace traditional cigarettes entirely with e-cigarettes. This is effectively "quitting smoking". However, if you'd like to eliminate your dependency on nicotine, you can do that as well by lowering the nicotine levels in your e-juice. Over time, e-cigarettes can sometimes lower your dependency on nicotine to a point where you can find that you can give it up entirely.
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What is an Electronic Cigarette?
The electronic cigarette, also known as the e-cig, was first developed in China just a few years ago. It is widely popular in Europe and increasingly popular in the United States.
An electronic cigarette is a handheld electronic device similar in size and shape to either a cigarette, ballpoint pen, or a screwdriver that utilizes a battery and atomizer to deliver nicotine to the user in the form of a vaporized solution of water, nicotine, glycerin or propylene glycol and flavoring. When the user puffs on the cigarette tip it activates the atomizer and the user inhales the vapor mixture and is able to exhale vapor resembling smoke. The process is referred to as vaping rather than smoking.
The size and shape you chose will depend on your personal preferences. Don't be surprised if your personal preferences change as you experiment with them. Initially, my husband thought it was ideal to have the e-cig look and feel like a real cigarette. However, he now realizes the advantages to having it look like a pen or a screwdriver. I'll explain in a moment.
The Traditional Real Cigarette Look: This e-cig looks like a real cigarette. It is white with a golden brown filter and the tip glows red (via an L.E.D. light) when you puff the cigarette and the vapor released looks like real smoke. To anyone looking at you, they would assume you are smoking a regular cigarette.
The Non-Traditional Real Cigarette Look: This e-cig looks like a real cigarette except for color and the L.E.D. light. This e-cig comes in various colors such as black or titanium and the L.E.D. light comes in colors such as blue, green or white.
The Pen Style Look: This e-cig looks like a ballpoint pen and has a tapered mouthpiece. These also come in either black or titanium and come with different color lights or sometimes no light at all. As time goes by, more and more colors are becoming available.
The Screwdriver Look: This e-cig looks like a small screwdriver. This style utilizes a larger battery to increase the life of the e-cig between charges. This type is often referred to as a "Mod". The mods often use higher voltage.
Advantages of Vaping over Smoking
- No tar, harmful toxins, or carbon monoxide as found in traditional cigarettes
- No more second-hand smoke to worry non-smokers around you
- No lighters needed, non-flammable
- No ashtrays needed, no ash or butts to dispose of
- No smoke, only vapor
- Allows you to get your nicotine fix in places smoking is not allowed, no more going outside to smoke
- Less expensive than traditional cigarettes
- Will hopefully allow cheaper insurance rates since you're no longer a tobacco user
- Improved health without the tar and toxins
- Improved self-esteem by losing the stigma of being a smoker, you're now a non-smoker
- No more burnt holes in carpet, clothing, sofas
- No more smokey-smelling clothes or hair
- Fresher breath
Where Can They Be Bought?
There are numerous of online sources for e-cigarettes and their prices vary greatly. Their shipping times vary greatly as well. I would not recommend ordering outside of your own country. Many people are experiencing delays at customs. Try to locate a supplier near you for best results. We have found a supplier in Texas (JantyUSA's link is below) that has provided great customer service and quick deliveries. If you are interested in having wide-spread availability in your area, tell your local tobacco shops about e-cigarettes and it may entice them to order them. In larger cities, they can be found in kiosks in the mall.
Before you buy: Before purchasing your first e-cigarette, think about what it is you enjoy about smoking. Are large plumes of smoke important to your experience? Is it the throat hit? Is it the taste? Is it important to see the 'flame' light up as you take a puff? Do you want to appear to still be a smoker by having something that looks like a real cigarette? Would you rather be more discreet and carry something that looks nothing like a cigarette?
Read and/or join the E-cigarette forum. You can find so much valuable information there from people who have been using these products for just a few hours to a year or so, and even the from the suppliers themselves. My husband posts there under the user name "Nicotine". These people are serious about their e-cigarettes. Many of them own multiple models from multiple companies. Many of them post how many hours/days they have been tobacco-free and how much money it has saved them.
Visit YouTube for all the videos about e-cigarettes. A gentleman by the name of Leaford is probably best known for his reviews of various models and he has negotiated discounts with many companies if you use him as a referral. Leaford has lots of YouTube reviews where you can see what his recommendations are. Please read the comments section on his videos since he sometimes discovers a better model than the one he just reviewed. Another popular reviewer is Grim Green.
Our Experience So Far
After conducting quite a bit of research online, my husband placed an order with a U.S. company online. Within just a few days he received his first e-cig. It was the traditional cigarette style. It looked amazingly like a real cigarette. After charging the batteries, he tried his first puff. We were shocked by the amount of vapor that it released how much it resembled smoke but without the smell. I was able to detect a slight fragrance, but it was pleasant. It smelled similar to roasted marshmallows. It had a sweet, yet caramelized smell to it. He experienced a good throat hit with the nicotine and it held all of the sensations he expected as a smoker. However, based on our research beforehand, we felt that the e-cig we purchased was not performing optimally battery-wise and contacted the company for a refund. They exhibited great customer service and have sent us a replacement model that is far superior and my husband is quite pleased with it.
We also ordered a pen-style from another company and have been very pleased with their customer service as well. We have found that another supplier for the nicotine juice. The cartridges on most of the e-cigs can be reused by "topping off" using the drip method. There are tons of videos about this method and it's simple to do. You need to make sure you understand the dripping method before you try it so that you don't ruin your atomizer or the battery. The flavors my husband has experimented with are: Cola, Tennessee Cured, Cherry, Licorice, Hawaiian Coffee, Cool Mint, Sweet Strawberry, Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Almond Decadence, as well as some generic flavors designed to simulate Marlboro cigarettes. He was the least impressed with the mint and Marlboro ones. So far, his favorite seems to be the Cherry and the Peach Cobbler.
Controversy & the Hope of a Celebrity Endorsement
I'm not big on controversy, or even glorifying it by talking about it. However, you should be aware that there are some people that feel that electronic cigarettes should be banned. You can bet the leading tobacco companies will not be too keen on seeing the e-cig succeed. They are a powerful lobbying group. There are also some health professionals that would prefer the smoker to quit entirely, and they feel that switching to a nicotine replacement isn't really solving much.
From my own personal experience, I hope they continue to be offered and that the competition will improve the quality and price. If you're a smoker, or care about someone who is, I'd highly recommend you research the benefits of switching to electronic cigarettes if quitting smoking has been an obstacle in the past.
I also think as more people are aware of them, they will be more widely accepted. Having influential people making the switch helps as well. David Icke, and English "truth seeker" has published pictures on his website of Leonardo DiCaprio smoking an electronic cigarette. Since President Barack Obama is a smoker, I think it would be fanastic if he were to make the switch to electronic cigarettes!
Katherine Heigl on Letterman Smoking an E-Cig
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Thanks for stopping by "Am I Dead Yet?". It's certainly a hot topic right now. I don't smoke either, but I have been trying to pull as many details out of my husband as I can. He has learned so much about his 'habit' from this experience. He truly is learning what it is that he likes/dislikes about smoking. It is a great transformation. We've tried to introduce them to my mother, but she is not convinced their safe. As I pointed out, we KNOW the cigarettes she's smoking AREN'T, yet she continues to smoke them. *sigh* I'm hoping she'll reconsider after my husband has been doing it for quite awhile.
Hey KCC Big Country, I was missing you! haven't seen you around in awhile. Thanks for this great article! I really do appreciate all the detailed information you give. I have been looking at these for a few weeks now, but had not met anyone who has tried it. I am very glad to know that your husband has tried it and likes it. I am grateful for the recommendation from you and your husband whom I trust your judgement. Thanks again, I will definitely give this a try. :-)
Thanks Whikat! I've been around, but haven't been able to read and comment as much as I'd like since I had been sharing my computer with my husband while his was in the shop. He just got it back today. Wooo hooo! You really should give them a try! He feels so much better and everything smells better around here and we're saving money! I love what they've done for us! Good luck to you!
If I hadn't given up, I would be sorely tempted :) Thanks for an informative hub KCC - I'd heard about them and was intrigued!
Of course, giving up the addiction to nicotine is ALWAYS the best and I'm glad you were able to do that Shalini! I'm just thankful that this option is available for those who can't yet seem to find the way to what you did. I seriously think this HELPS the smoker learn about him/herself and that will certainly help make it easier to quit if they someday decide to. But, in the meantime, they don't have to take in the tar and toxic carcinogens.
Thanks for stopping by Shalini!
These will get even more popular since the federal tax on cigs was recently raised to something like $8.00 a carton. I've always said if they raise the "sin taxes" to fund public health programs, better have another funding source in mind when people find an alternative to over-taxed "sin"! e-cigs sound like the untaxable alternative.
I agree JamaGenee! However, it's just a matter of time before someone decides it's something they want regulated and it will be heavily taxed as well.
I'm just hoping it doesn't happen anytime soon. But if the tobacco companies begin to feel threatened by it, you can bet someone will sit up and take notice.
This may help my daughter. We are so concerned for her health. Very helpful, thanks!
Anyone but me know the old song called " Smoke Smoke Smoke that cigarette" I forget who did the original, but you might still find a copy by Willie Nelson.
Very interesting Piece KCC
I hope it helps your daughter, IslandVoice. I'm very pleased with the results my husband is experiencing.
Thanks for stopping by!
I remember it, Sandman! It's out on YouTube by quite a few different people. I'll pick one tonight and add it just for you! Thanks for stopping by!
Sheesh, is everything electric now? While I read this hub I kept hearing a song in my head. Remember 'it's electric?' I wish I could hum it into the comment box.
Well done, KCC! This is a riveting read whichI hope attracts widespread readership. Mostly, it's wonderful to read how well your Hubby is doing. I'm thrilled for you both.
Only thing puzzling me is how does this work with the pen and screwdriver versions? A person sucks on something that looks like a pen and vapor is released? Isn't that ... odd???
Well, first I've heard of it. Never smoked even once but it is interesting when I think of those I love who still smoke and have no motivation to quit.
KCC - thanks for this hub! I had heard about these electronic cigs a while back but never looked much into it. Since I'm still puffing, I've bookmarked this to ponder a bit more. Might be a good alternative for me.
Dolores: I know, I thought it was crazy sounding when I first heard about it. I just didn't see how something electronic could simulate smoking enough that a smoker would be able to make the switch. But, it works! What will they think of next?
Mighty Mom: Good to see you! Yes, the pen version and the screwdriver version have a tip that they draw on. I think it would look odd on the screwdriver version. But on the pen type it just looks like he's got the end of a pen in his mouth. Lots of people do that without thinking. It really is a good version for looking inconspicuous. As this takes off, people should have a strong argument for being able to vape indoors at places where smoking is prohibited.
Jerilee: I'm glad I could introduce you to them and perhaps you'll hear of someone who might need the information in the future. I'm like you, I've never smoked. But, I see so many people this could help. I really hope it takes off like crazy.
Dineane: It's seriously worth checking into. I've tried to provide some of the resources we used to check into it and help us make up our minds. My husband spent lots of time watching video reviews on YouTube. I'm going to look for a good one to include here.
To all of you: Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comments. They are greatly appreciated!
Awesome hub! I've seen these in mall stands and wondered if they work. My husband is and on and off again smoker- more off since having our daughter but if the urge ever strikes, I'd love him to look into getting one of these.
Too bad they're expensive. I know it will save in the long run but if smokers cared about the long run they wouldn't smoke. So it's hard to talk them into spending big now to save money later because the habit is all about INSTANT gratification.
Wow, I've heard about these things. Thanks for the info. Too bad they're expensive.
They aren't that expensive. The price does vary though. I think people tend to forget how expensive regular cigarettes are. My husband was spending over $10 a day in cigarettes. Doesn't take long to see a savings. He buys the nicotine juice and just tops off his cartridges and reuses them. The juice is inexpensive and comes in different levels of nicotine. He has also been able to cut his with vegetable glycerin which helps create more vapor. That's one aspect of smoking that he enjoys...the vapor.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting izetti & Choke Frantic.
I've heard of this, but I am still wondering if it works for pot.
LOL @ GT. They do make an electronic pipe and are working on an electronic bong.
Hopefully they have it ready by Christmas
*singing* Have yourself a merry electric Christmas...may your LEDs be bright.......
LOL
Really great post! I just got my electronic cigarette in the mail yesterday. I have to say that I like it a whole lot better than conventional cigarettes already. I really dont need to point out the reasons because you already did that for me.
The one I picked up is not huge like that screwdriver version. In fact it is the same size as a normal cig and the end lights up blue when I smoke it. Great stuff.
Go ahead and click my name I posted the site where I got mine from on there. I have to say I am a happy customer :)
Thanks for posting "I smoke elctronic cigarettes"! and thanks for providing the link for where you got yours. I'll have to see if my husband has looked into that one. I do know that we've talked about the LEDs and have decided if it's going to have one, we'd want it to be blue or green. I really think they will be more widely accepted by the NON-smoking population (meaning, behave nicer towards those who are vaping) if they do not look so much like a cigarette. I think it would be better if anyone looking at one would know it's not a real one. They would know something is different and would open their minds to accepting it. This is huge! I see nothing but benefits to everyone except the tobacco companies! Keep me posted, I'd love to know how things work for you in the days and weeks ahead! You can email me through HubPages as well.
Ban the whole lot, vapy things, cigarettes and cigars
Easier said than done, Cindyvine. I have never understood why anyone would enjoy inhaling smoke into their lungs. But they have done so for many many years. I regret that affects the lives of so many. But I support anything that makes it better, and vaping is a step in the right direction. Many people have been able to quit entirely after taking this step first. I'm hoping my husband will be one of them. Thanks for stopping by Cindy!
Great article! I had no idea there was even a product like this on the market. (Sometimes I think I live in a box...) Definately something that I will pass on to my man. Thank you!
Glad I could help, Enelle! My daughter just told me she saw them at a mall in the DFW area. She witnessed her friends being quite surprised to see a man "smoking" in the mall. She saw the kiosk and was able to explain to them that he was simply vaping and not smoking. This is a victory for smokers to be able to free themselves from the grip of the tobacco companies!
Yes indeed...I think it's amazing. I will have to look in my area...
Good luck! Let me know how it goes. My mother, who could sure you the help, is completely uninterested. But, like many people her age, she hates change. I think the people who will most embrace this are the smokers aged 30-55 yrs old.
I don't often pay attention to how much cigarettes are since I don't buy mine. I roll them for myself, and even then my mother buys the tobacco with her weekly shopping. So in comparison to me not being aware of a nominal amount being deducted from my bank account each week, an e-cig is expensive =]
Rolling your own does help on the cost, my husband did that all the time while he was still in the UK. Once he came here, he found that we don't cut our tobacco the same (the shag) and switched to regular cigarettes. They are around $5-$6 a pack and he was smoking 2 packs a day. That adds up quickly.
I would think almost any parent would pay 10 times what they cost if they knew how much it would help you! I am assuming you're over 18. If not, I don't think you'll find anyone who would sell you one anyway.
good for him! Some of my mates have these, because of the ban here on smoking in pubs / restaurants etc
Correct me if I'm wrong on this LG, but it's my understanding that in places like the UK, pubs are allowing people to use the e-cig where regular smoking is disallowed, right? Meaning, they are recognizing/acknowledging the difference and deeming it acceptable, or within the laws or policies.
From your perspective, how common has it become in the UK?
I'm really interested in knowing. Thanks LG!
This is very interesting, one if its kind. I had never heard of this before.
Righteous hub KCC!! I am a definate smoke LOVER, as i explain in my latest hub but this electro tab looks pretty bloomin fantastic, food for thought for definate
Rudra: Glad I could bring you some info you hadn't heard about. I think you'll see much more about it rather quickly. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Cellar Door: It seems to be the juice containing vegetable glycerin that produce the type of vapor my husband enjoys. So, if plumes of good 'smoke' are what you're after that would be the way to go. It's worth checking into. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I'm off to read some hubs from both of you!
I have quit now for 17 weeks! This is my second attempt in the last 2 yrs. We have a big family 6 kids and I never had a hard time quitting when I found out that I was pregnant, but just quitting for myself and not another little person was a challenge. This time I asked my daughters to come up with a plan for me to quit and for them to be part of my success. Our youngest daughter age 11 thought up the following plan: She said "Mom for every pack of ciggarettes I don't buy save the money for the week and at the end of the week we take the saved money and do something together like an ice cream, latte, save for two weeks and go to the movies. It has worked so well. I think because it was suggested by my daughter and so it felt like I was quitting for her like I did when I found out I was pregnant with all of our beautiful children. Good luck to all who attempt and know it will be worth it in the long run!
Congrats ElkdaleWhigs! You've done something that is so hard for so many to do! Quitting is always the best option, and I'm hoping my husband won't be far behind you. I see such great changes in him from making the switch.
Thanks for commenting! I haven't read your hubs yet, but hopefully you've written a hub about this monumental achievement! If not, you should!
Thanks for the incredible info KCC! Gonna show it to the hubby and we'll see what we can do!
I'm so glad you read this, Silver Freak. I really hope that it's something that can help you. It truly has been a very good thing for my husband. I've lost count, but it's been several weeks now since he's had a regular cigarette and he feels great.
Just know that I support you (and applaud you) for whatever path you choose in helping yourself reclaim your life. I wish you all the luck in the world. Keep me posted on how it goes. I'll keep checking back to your hubs, too.
wow what an interesting hub I had never heard of e-cigs before I read this hub I wish they had these back when I was smoking forty plus a day. Well perhaps not they sound so good that knowing me I would probably still be chuffing on the e-cig now lol
Maggs224: I wish they had been invented long ago too. I think about how many people they could have helped. They continue to improve. My husband bought a new one yesterday that he's heard raving reviews on. (He likes having spares, and wants to try different models). He is most impressed with this latest one.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Yes, it these types of thing don't come within the definition of "smoking" in the ban.
That's a big plus for traditional smokers, being able to vape in places they couldn't smoke. I have heard reports though of some owners still asking people to refrain because of how many complaints they get from people who think they ARE smoking. That will ease up once they are more widely known about. Most people just don't know about them yet.
Thanks for stopping by LG!
A lot of great info here on this hub. to quote a part of it "From my own personal experience, I hope they continue to be offered and that the competition will improve the quality and price", i believe that is now starting to happen. Glad to see a nice overview hub of all the types of vaporizing tools. Very up to date and accurate compared to some research i've done on various forums.
Thank you so much Cjay! It was my intent to inform the public of what I've seen available and what to watch for. I believe this product is going to change everything regarding smoking, smoking laws, and more importantly, the quality of life for those who can benefit from it.
This sounds like the real deal, so even if it takes a long time to kick the addiction it is still healthier.
That's right Modern Hippie! At least while you're trying to kick the nicotine addiction you're not taking in all the harmful carcinogens and tar. It really is a great alternative. Thanks for stopping by!
I believe, after knowing from your hub, e-cigarette can really help people get rid of the habit. Excellant hub.
It is a great tool for those wanting to cut out the harmful effects of smoking, premsingh. It is a product that smokers have needed for a long time. It has made such a difference for my husband. Thanks for stopping by.
Woh! This is really great information!
I recently bought a blu cig and really like it. But choosing the right brand for me was not easy. It really depends on you, your preferences, and which features are right for you. This buying guide really helped me:http://www.ecigarettes365.com/buying_guide
Thanks Kenny! You're right, there are lots of choices on the market, and some have features that are better than the others. You really have to figure out what's most important to you and try a few out. Thanks for the link. All the information we can put out there to help others have a better informed decision, the better.
Smoking is evil and this device will help people to give up smoking. Very useful thing.
Thank you "milf from west"....it is a very useful tool!
KCC. I got my 501 ecig in the mail on June 12, 2009 and am super stoked to say that I have not had one single "analog" cigarette since that day. It was a total shock how well it worked for me. I've barely had a single craving and absolutely LOVE all the flavors I can experiment with.
I was a true smoker and had tried every thing out there to quit...patch, gum, acupuncture...even hypnosis. Nothing even came close to curbing the desire to light up. This allowed me to "light up" which was the best part to me, but took away the worst parts. The tar and million and one other additives.
I can breath better and have had two minor colds since quitting, which before would have left me with residual coughs that lasted 2 weeks. These colds were totally history in 2 days with no cough present at all.
I TOTALLY encourage anyone who's even moderately interested to look into them further. Don't get it from the mall.....get it online and you'll only spend the cost of one carton of cigs. Not a big investment at all really.
Very well written hub, thanks for sharing the information, and yes, smoking is evil, I can't stand the smell of smokers who use regular cigarette.
Another place to buy electronic cigarettes is from LuckySlicks.com
Thank you to "501 e-smoker", "smoker" and "esmoker" for dropping by and commenting.
Very well written, I myself just made the same switch thanks in part to this article. I hope your husband is still using e-cigs vs smoking.
That's great news, Bill! Congrats! My husband has experimented with a variety of e-cig products and juices since I first wrote this article. We have been talking about him starting a YouTube presentation of his reviews. He is now vaping a 5 volt mod and couldn't be happier.
invented in China? my god i dont want to try this...
Leaftofall, I'd be willing to bet that 90% or more of the things you use are made in China. However, there are lots of "Made in the USA" models now available or you can always continue to smoke cigarettes and poison yourself that way.
That’s awesome that ecigarettes have been successful in stopping your husband from smoking traditional cigarettes! It seems that your husband doesn’t miss his traditional cigarettes at all. It’s also great that your hub seems to have helped inspire other people to stop smoking cigarettes as well.
You provide such great information on electronic cigarettes in this hub. I love that you included not only the facts in it but also gave a firsthand account of how electronic cigarettes are changing yours and your husband’s life.
Thank you very much, PremiumEStore! Thanks for stopping by!
Electronic cigarettes are a great way for smokers to kick the addiction without having to give up their vice. This is a brilliant idea and an inspiring article. Thank you for posting.
I agree Leah! It's so helpful to have the tar and toxins out of the picture. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Well, it's a healthful step up from smoking cigarettes if you have that addiction. I'm a staunch anti-smoker and frankly, I can think of far better things to do with my hands. Interesting hub though. I wish these had been around before my dad died as a result of years worth of chain smoking the real thing.
I agree Jaynie. I wish they were around back when my dad smoked. Luckily, he did quit smoking without them.
Thanks for the information. I will try to quit smoking..
Thanks for the great post..nice
Am I dead, yet? 2 years ago
w00t! this is awesome! I don't smoke, but this would be wicked to have! I think the critics/true smokers would also miss the actual 'heat' and feel from lighting a cigarette as well. Congratz on your husbands' success!