Many people have begun to switch from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, in the hope of breaking their habit or addiction. If you’re a smoker but have started to think about cutting down or quitting altogether, an e-cigarette could help you on your way.
To learn more about how to use e-cigarettes to stop smoking, Original C take a look at the difference between the two and how the electronic kind could help you adopt healthier habits.
What is an e-cigarette?
If you’re still not completely sure what an e-cig is, it’s normal to feel a little wary about switching from cigarettes to a vape. An e-cigarette is essentially a device that allows you to inhale nicotine via vapour, not smoke.
E-cigs don’t burn tobacco, and therefore don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide, which are two of the most dangerous elements in tobacco smoke. For this reason, e-cigarettes are deemed less harmful than cigarettes. They work by heating a liquid that contains nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). Look for the PG:VG ratio of your e-liquid to determine how much of each is present. The most common ratio is 50:50.
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Can you really quit smoking with an e-cigarette?
Using an e-cigarette can help you to replicate the sensation of smoking, so making the switch is that bit easier. Many of the smoking triggers like inhaling, exhaling and the ‘throat hit’ that are associated with the habit can make it difficult to give up completely, but an e-cigarette can fill the void.
E-cigarettes can help you to better manage your nicotine cravings, without the health risk of burning tobacco. A clinical trial in 2019 found that people who used e-cigarettes and face-to-face support were twice as likely to succeed quitting, than those who used nicotine replacements like patches or gum.
Nicotine is relatively harmless, and a rechargeable e-cig with a refillable tank is able to deliver nicotine effectively and quickly, which can give you a better chance of quitting smoking. Almost all of the harm of smoking comes from the chemicals in the tobacco smoke, most of which are toxic.
You also have the chance to reduce the nicotine strength, but it is important to choose the right strength of e-liquid to begin with, to satisfy your needs and reduce your chance of going back to cigarettes.
Why should I swich to e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are tightly regulated for safety and quality. While they’re not completely risk-free, there are less risky than traditional cigarettes. Quitting smoking can help to restore your sense of taste and smell, improve lung function and even reduce your risk of heart disease or a stroke.
What’s more, quitting smoke and switching to an e-cigarette means there is less chance of causing harm to others around you, in contrast to second-hand smoke from cigarettes.
There are also big cost savings involved in switching from cigarettes to vaping, which can be a big factor. A recent poll showed that smokers who switch to vaping save around £350 per year on average.
Where do I start?
Some people find it easier to make the switch to e-cigs by choosing familiar flavours. There are many different ones available, but you might benefit from trying flavours like tobacco or menthol. Once you feel more comfortable, you can venture out and try other flavours like cherry, vanilla and strawberry.