I quit smoking cigarettes last year then started vaping. I'm tired of vaping, what it's doing to my lungs and the bondage that I feel. I set a quit date for next Wednesday, April 10th.
Congrats on setting your quit date. I used to vape and I found it even more addictive than smoking cigarettes because I could do it anywhere and there was no “end,” I could just keep on puffing. Nicotine is very addictive, it’s more than just a habit! There are so many great resources on the Ex to help you learn about nicotine addiction and beat it. Definitely check out the Tools section on the site and track your triggers and plan on how you’ll cope with cravings once you’re quit. Also remember to take your quit one day at a time in the beginning, if that makes it feel more manageable. Quitting forever can feel overwhelming in the beginning.
Congratulations on your decision to quit vaping! It's common sense that anything you put in your lungs that isn't clean air can't be good for you! You will need to substitute “vape” or “device” as you do the reading I will recommend. Research suggests nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Because vaping is available to you most anywhere, anytime, I believe it might be more difficult from which to break free than regular tobacco products - but it CAN be done! There is a blog written by one of our success stories that you might find informative: I Quit Smoking and Vaping - EX Community . If you would like to use a quit aid and would like information on the various ones, let me know.
I recommend that you educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind To that end, I suggest Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”, which can be purchased online or borrowed from your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction : Nicotine and Your Brain.
The idea is to change up your routines so the vaping associations are reduced. Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from where you vaped. Maybe switch to tea for a bit. If you always had that first puff with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to vape so the view is different. Take a different route when you are out and about so you aren't driving by your vaping supply shop. Take the Daily Pledge each day, Just look for it on the home page. It helps to hold yourself accountable to your quit and the community..
You need to distract yourself through any craves. You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game. Keep a cold bottle of water with you from which to sip. Don't let that vaping thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits. Get busy! Here is a list of things to do instead of vape if you need some fresh ideas:
The conversation in your head in response to the "I want to vape" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?" Then DO it. You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.
Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!
Welcome @Kimmysue63 My name is Quiana, and I am a part of the EX Team. Congratulations on your decision to quit! I wanted to reach out and personally welcome you to the EX Community! We are so excited you have joined us. This is a very supportive community so feel free to keep us all posted on your quit journey reach out and let us know if you need anything.
Here are some articles that might be helpful as you prepare for your quit date:
@Kimmysue63 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your decision to become an Ex. No matter the source, nicotine is an addictive chemical so yes it can be hard to quit.
The fact that you vape almost anywhere doesn't make it any easier. You found a place with lots of advice, information, and most of all, support. Spend time reading learning about nicotine addiction and how to put a plan in place with tools to use, coping with craving and creating new association to replace vaping.
Believe in yourself that you can do it. Approaching your quit one day at a time helps to alleviate much of the anxiety we experience when we think about quitting.
We're here to support you so reach out anytime you need help, want to share your experience, and to support other quitters. And, join many of us on the Daily Pledge to stay on track one day at a time.
Wishing you the very best as you journey to freedom from nicotine. Studies show that rates of being successful at quitting go up a lot when those quitting have a plan and a strong support network. You've come to the right place to help you prepare for your quit and the community is here to support you and cheer you on, offer suggestions and to listen if you need to vent. Congratulations on making the very best decision you can make, a decision for better health and a better life!!! Yay for you.
HI! Congrats on setting your quit date. I've had to reset mine about 3 times. Letting the fear of quitting ecigs control me for too long. I can't wait to see how it goes for you. My quit date is 4/13. Maybe we can encourage each other!
@Kimmysue63 Congrats on 5 days of success. That's a fabulous achievement. So glad you stopped by with an update. There will be ups and downs, but you're proving that you can do it!
Keep moving forward one day at a time.
Stay busy and stay close.
Barb
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