I quit vaping yesterday, again. This time I decided using the patch since all previous attempts to quit did not work for me. Previously I would get panic attack after panic attack until I went to the store and got more eliquid I am determined to quit though I know I can get through this and I'm hoping with the patch I can fight one piece of the puzzle at a time (habit vs addictive). But I have a few questions about the patch since it's very new to me, I've done a little research but if anyone can share anything at all about their experience with the patch is greatly appreciate it!
My first day wasn't horrible I just miss the throat hit that I would receive vaping. I wasn't sure what strength to use for the patch since I typically Vaped all day but at a 3mg nicotine strength. So I bought the step 2 - 14 mg strength patch does this seem right? I'm not sure if I'm suppose to feel different with it on but I feel the same. Also I did not sleep with it on but I had terrible nausea through the night and did not sleep the best at all. I feel fine this morning no nausea, is that probably connected to the patch?
Welcome to our community!
I think it would be tough to figure out your nicotine use...but maybe add up the mg in the cartridges and figure out when you had to change them to see how much you were using? I found this on doing a 'net search: "Nicotine patches come in three different doses. Dosage should be chosen based on how much you currently smoke. Check package instructions regarding appropriate dosing or ask your health care provider about what dose is appropriate for you. If you experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat or nausea, this may mean you are getting too much nicotine and you may need to reduce the nicotine patch dose." at Trying to Quit Smoking? Here’s What You Should Know about the Nicotine Patch - Dialogue Blog - University of Rochester M…
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: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/vaping. There is further information here: https://www.becomeanex.org/quitting-e-cigarettes and here: https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/impact-of-e-cigarettes-on-lung.html .
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.” You might find useful information, as well, here: https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/quitting-smoking-vaping/quitting-e-cigarettes, Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be.
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.
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:
https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/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