Are you struggling with the health risks associated with smoking or fed up with the lingering pungent odour that seems to follow you everywhere? If so, you’re not alone in seeking alternatives to break free from the chain of traditional cigarettes.
The good news? There are numerous smoking alternatives that pose fewer health risks, and among them, vaping is emerging as a popular choice. But is it a legitimate and effective method to quit cigarettes once and for all? Let’s discuss it!
Why Quitting Smoking Is Hard?
Quitting smoking comes with a lot of factors, including physical, psychological, and behavioural. Thus, for a better insight into this matter, we’ve listed a few reasons;
- Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance in cigarettes, stimulating the release of dopamine in the brain and creating a sense of pleasure. Even though at first everything appears alright, after a while, the body becomes dependent on nicotine, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms when trying to limit the habit.
- Physical Dependence
Another factor of smoking is it is becoming a daily ritual, creating a strong physical dependency. Further, the habitual nature of smoking, such as lighting it up after meals or during breaks, makes it hard to break free from physical dependence.
- Psychological Factors
Smoking further becomes intertwined with emotions, stress relief, and coping mechanisms.
The habit serves as a way to handle various situations, making it difficult to separate the act of smoking from certain emotional states.
- Social & Environmental Triggers
Additionally, social situations, places, or activities associated with smoking act as triggers, making it harder to quit. Thus, the urge to smoke may intensify in environments where others are smoking or during times of heightened stress.
- Lack Of Support
Quitting smoking is often more challenging without a support system. Since it’s considered a stigma, the absence of encouragement from friends, family, or a community can make the journey difficult.
- Withdrawal Symptoms
This is another major consequence, as quitting smoking all of a sudden often causes withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, and lack of focus – making most smokers indulge in the habit again.
Vaping: The New Saviour
Vaping has gained significant attention as a potential saving alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. While the long-term health effects of vaping are still being researched, many experts agree that vaping is likely to be less harmful than smoking. We’ve listed a few reasons that make vaping a safer alternative to smoking; check them out;
- Reduced Harmful Chemicals
Traditional cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide. Vaping, on the other hand, heats e-liquids containing harmless substances than tobacco smoke.
- Lower Nicotine Levels
Vaping allows users to control nicotine levels in e-liquids, providing an option to reduce nicotine intake gradually. Further, many vapers choose nicotine-free e-juices for a fruitful and safe vaping experience.
- Reduced Second-hand Smoke
Vaping produces aerosol, aka vapour, which dissipates more quickly than traditional cigarette smoke. Thus, there’s a very low risk of passive vaping, and a flavoured aroma fills the air instead of a pungent smell.
- Smoking Cessation Aid
Many smokers have successfully used vaping as a tool to quit smoking as vaping provides a similar hand-to-mouth action and oral fixation, making it easier for individuals to quit traditional cigarettes.
- Various Flavours
Vaping offers a wide range of flavoured e-liquids, providing a diverse and enjoyable experience. And the best part? There’s no end! You can always pick a new flavour and elevate everything.
Tips To Quit Cigarettes Through Vaping
Transitioning from cigarettes to vaping is a positive step towards quitting smoking altogether; however, to stay firm on the path, we’ve listed a few tips you should read;
- The Right Vaping Device
Choose a vaping device that suits your preferences and provides a satisfying experience. Since the options range from disposable pod systems to more advanced mods, you wouldn’t face many difficulties.
- Nicotine Strength
Opt for an e-liquid with a nicotine level that matches your current cigarette consumption. This helps ease the transition and manage withdrawal symptoms; the options range from 24mg to 3mg, depending on the preferences.
- Pick A Day
Since constant attempts to quit smoking often go in vain, you can pick a day from the calendar and stay firm on ditching the habit on that particular day.
Gradual Reduction
If your ultimate goal is to quit nicotine entirely, consider gradually reducing nicotine levels in your e-liquids. This incremental approach can make the process more manageable.
- E-Flavours & Nic Salts
As vaping has various flavours and salts to choose from, it’s better to experiment first and pick the one that suits you best. However, make sure to purchase high-quality nic salts e-liquids to avoid any mishaps.
- Seek Support
We understand how difficult quitting smoking can be, and the beginner complexities of vaping can revert anyone’s decision. Thus, joining communities and seeking support from your surroundings for encouragement and suggestions is better.
- Identify Triggers
Recognise situations or emotions that trigger the urge to smoke. Though vaping is a safe alternative, you can minimise these triggers with other coping mechanisms like meditation, yoga, or picking any hobby.
- Professional Guidance
Consider seeking advice from healthcare professionals or smoking cessation programs. They can provide personalised guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
Your Health On Smoking Vs Vaping
Though nicotine addiction is one of the significant problems associated with traditional cigarettes, constant smoking can put your health at risk and cause problems such as;
- Higher risk of cancers (lungs, throat, mouth)
- Respiratory problems & COPD
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Passive smoking risks for non-smokers
- Early ageing
On the other hand, vaping also causes nicotine addiction. However, the risks are way less than traditional smoking. Thus, many ex-smokers have discussed the pros of switching to vaping, such as improved lung function, controlled nicotine levels, and easy dissipation.
Additional Considerations
Nevertheless, too much of anything can always cause harm and put your health at risk. So, it’s better to use vaping as an alternative to smoking and limit the nicotine strength gradually. Further, choosing reputable vaping products, understanding ingredient transparency, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals are also important for risk-free vaping.
FAQs
Is Vaping A Good Way To Stop Smoking?
Vaping is considered a less risky and harmless alternative to smoking cigarettes, which can cause cancer, lung problems, nicotine addiction, and dental problems. However, you should also weigh all the pros and cons of vaping as the research on long-term health risks is still going on.
What Happens When I Start Vaping After Smoking?
When transitioning from smoking to vaping, you’re likely to experience a reduction in exposure to harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. Further, there’s a reduction in cough as lung function improves. Though there will be nicotine cravings, you can satisfy them through vaping.
Is Quitting Smoking Better Than Quitting Vaping?
Both quitting smoking and quitting vaping are beneficial for overall health. While vaping is often considered a less harmful alternative to smoking, complete cessation of both activities is generally recommended for optimal health outcomes. However, the decision also depends on the person’s preferences.
What Types Of Vaping Devices Are Recommended For Quitting?
The choice of vaping device depends on individual preferences and needs. Some start with beginner-friendly devices like pod systems, while others prefer more advanced setups. Overall, it’s important to choose a device that is easy to use, satisfies nicotine cravings, and is suitable for the individual’s quitting plan.
How Do I Handle Cravings & Triggers After Quitting Smoking?
Coping with cravings and triggers is a significant challenge during the quitting process. So, you can start with our above-suggested tips and further find other activities like going to the gym, meditation/yoga, or sketching to keep your mind diverted. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, and professionals is beneficial.