Humans have been smoking for thousands of years. Tobacco, as well as hallucinogenic drugs, were smoked in the Americas starting around 5000 BC and tobacco has been cultivated ever since. We all know that cigarette smoking is dangerous, but it is also very addictive. With over 5000 chemicals produced through the burning of tobacco, many of which are carcinogenic, it’s important to find effective ways of quitting.
You can try many different methods, but the best is a slow reduction in frequency, tobacco content, and modifying behaviours. The addiction is not only in the substance but also in the action. With the invention of the electronic cigarette, you can transition to a safer smoking experience.
How Do E-Cigarettes Work?
The e-cigarette is a device for inhaling or vaping nicotine without burning it. An e-cigarette heats up a liquid of tobacco mixed with a vegetable-based glycerine, propylene glycol, and your choice of flavouring. Because nothing is being burned, there is no carbon monoxide or tar produced.
They come in different types too.
- Vape pens: They are shaped like a tube or pen with a coil, a small e-liquid tank, and batteries that are recharged.
- E-cigarettes: They look like real cigarettes and are either disposable or rechargeable.
- Pods: These are rechargeable units that look similar to a USB stick and take e-liquid.
- Mods: Mods are larger and come in various designs and shapes. They last longer between charges and have a refillable tank.
How Can They Help To Quit Smoking?
You need to understand your addiction. Tobacco has nicotine in it and this is the addictive substance. When you inhale it, it goes into your lungs and then travels through your bloodstream to your brain. This can take a little as 6 seconds. Once in the brain, it activates receptors and gives you a reaction similar to amphetamines. When you stop, your body withdrawals from that stimulant. In order to feel normal again, you need to light up.
Using an electronic cigarette can give you the nicotine sensation without some of the negative side effects. You won’t create the tar and carbon monoxide but will still get your brain’s fix. You will also have the same repetitive ritual of taking an inhale and holding the device in your hands. Doing something with your hands can be part of the battle.
Nicotine appears to help with memory and concentration, according to research. The rise in acetylcholine and norepinephrine is assumed to be the cause of this. Nicotine is added to e-liquid to help throughout the control of cravings after quitting smoking.
How to Transition from Cigarettes to E-Cigs
As you transition over to vaping, you can easily change the amount of nicotine content in your e-liquid. You may find that you become more interested in the flavours rather than the amount of nicotine. This is of great benefit to you as you are not breathing in the 1000’s of harmful chemicals found in your standard cigarette.
E-cigarettes are designed to take one inhale at a time. As you start your journey into quitting smoking, it’s almost impossible to quit cold turkey. Reduction is the key to success. When you have a craving for nicotine, you can take one inhale at a time as needed. With a cigarette, you light up one and finish it while your body may be satisfied after one drag or two.
Another challenge when you try to quit smoking is being around other smokers. While you are resisting the temptation of smoking, people around you can’t contain their smoke from you. You will smell it and that can trigger the cravings. With vaping, there is no second-hand smoke. You can produce a vapour cloud, but it is nowhere near as invasive as second-hand smoke. There is also no evidence that it is harmful to anyone around you.
Are E-Cigarettes Safe?
While they are fairly new on the market, they are much safer than regular cigarettes. They are not completely risk-free, and research is ongoing about the long-term effects of vaping. We do know that consuming tobacco in an e-liquid is less harmful because there is no combustion.
Most of the harm from smoking cigarettes in the act of burning the tobacco and inhaling it into your lungs, creating a horde of harmful chemicals. Vaping is an effective way to manage your nicotine cravings while scaling back the amount in your preferred juice. Use as much as you need and scale it back gradually.
If you have tried to quit on your own or used medication, patches, gum, counselling, or even hypnotism and it has proven unsuccessful, give e-cigarettes a try. They are a modern way to slowly curb your nicotine addiction while not exposing those around you to the burning of tobacco. It is a popular trend and one that can help you break free of smoking for the rest of your life.