Quit Cigs 5 years ago, and a week into quitting vaping after very HIGH use

[J2thakizzna]

Hello,

I figured I would jump in here with my story.  I was a pack a day cig smoker for 15 years, I quit 5 years ago using Chantix, and it worked great for me.  I didn't even finish the dosage, after day 6 of full dosage, I was done, didn't want a cig, was disgusted by them, never had another....

Fast forward, 6 months from then I start smoking E-Cigs.  For the last 5 years, I have used at least what would be equivalent to Juul POD/ day but a company called NJOY.  

This is my 3rd time trying to quit Vape, the first time, I tried to cut down and then decrease Nic level with other vaping products .... didn't work me.   Second time, I went cold turkey, almost lost my mind.... didn't work for me. 

Now, a week in, I started with the Patch for the first 5 days (21mg), and it has made it easier for me.  I also, have been using NRT pouches as a last resort.  My attitude has changed where I want this to be over with to go back to normal life ( have a drink with dinner) so I woke up Monday said no more patch.  I'm going to fight this thing head on, which has been easier with a week of under my belt to break the habit (hand to mouth, used to not having my vape).  The cravings are def tougher, but I'm holding strong with an occasional Nic pouch (3x a day).  

My lifestyle is normally healthy, eat great, exercise 5/6 times a week, I have been using Lemonhead candy to help with cravings and works well.  I also have been eating a lot more (Healthy stuff), but a big appetite this last week.

Feel free to ask questions, pump me up etc...Jump on the train.....lets go!  

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

Although primarily a smoking cessation site, I have seen a huge increase in the number of people coming for help to break free from vaping. Research suggests nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Here is a great article with information about the products: Vaping 101: What to know about e-cigs, addiction and illnesses  There is further information here: Quitting E-cigarettes | Guides & Tools | BecomeAnEX  and here; Health Risks of E-Cigarettes and Vaping | American Lung Association  .

Nicotine addiction is nicotine addiction - no matter the delivery device - and how to beat any of them is about the same. Every time you read :"cigarette" in the information I will give you, just sub "Juul" or “vape,” or “device.”  

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.” . Vaping was not a concern when this was written, so you will need to sub “vape”as necessary. This is an easy and entertaining read which can be found online or at your local library. If you do nothing else to get ready for your quit, please do give this a read. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: Nicotine and Your Brain - YouTube .

It seems you are doing a good job finding out what is going to work for you in the way of quit aids.  I caution you to only use the pouches as a last resort - it's easy to become addicted to them! 

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 a quick walk at break time instead of vaping.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, 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. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.    Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of vape if you need some fresh ideas:
 /blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instead-of-smoke 

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!

 Nancy

[sweetplt]

Hi and Welcome to Ex’s J2thakizzna 

I am glad you found our site.  I am so sorry you went from one addiction to another...Nancy YoungAtHeart gave you some great information...do the work, plan your quit and become knowledgable in addiction.  You can do this...we are here for you.  Keep close to the support site...~ Colleen 505 DOF 

[elvan]

Welcome to EX, nicotine addiction is a strong addiction.  Recovery is a one day at a time journey and you are doing it!  Congratulations.

Ellen

[Barbscloud]

Welcome to the Ex  J2thakizzna   If you haven't done so already, spend time on the site educating yourself about nicotine addiction and creating a quit plan.  My EX Plan | BecomeAnEX  Knowledge and preparation lead to success.    Most of us have smoked a very long time.   I smoked for 50 years and just celebrated 2 years smoke free yesterday.   The people on this site are great examples that you can do it too.  The support here is fabulous.   I know how much it contributed to my success.  We're here to support you any time you need encouragement or just want to share your journey.  

Barb

[J2thakizzna]

wow 50 years! that's awesome! Cograts

[maryfreecig]

Welcome to Ex. Thanks for sharing your story. One day at a time is the way to take this journey.

[AnnetteMM]

I used Juul pods, and if vaping were 100% safe I'd still be using them. I wrote about my quit here: 

 https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/people/AnnetteMM/blog/2020/01/20/i-quit-smoking-and-vaping 

What I can tell you now, though, is what you already know: Nicotine is a very powerful drug. While using NRT, always remember the Law of Addiction.  

"Administration of a drug to an addict will cause re-establishment of chemical dependence upon the addictive substance."