...and 53 seconds.
That's how long ago I quit smoking. I have saved $590, I have not smoked 2,363 cigarettes and I have saved 9 days of my life. I didn't do it cold turkey, I am not using the patch, I am not using the gum nor am I using Chantix.
Instead I took another path. I took up vaping. For those who don't know e-cigs, or personal vaporizers, are catching on in many places, especially here in California (new "vape" shops seem to open every week). Sure you can go into a store and buy an "NJoy" or a "Blu". Those are popular, but I have tried those before and they didn't work as well as I had hoped. Instead I went to a vape shop and started off with a model called the "eGo Twist", it worked but the battery life wasn't that great so I switched over to a unit called the "iTaste". 30 hours of battery life and you can even run an iPod on it using the battery.
So you might be saying "wait a minute, you quite smoking but started vaping and are still inhaling nicotine into your lungs". Well, yes, I am but what I am not doing is inhaling the 4000 plus chemicals and carcinogens in cigarettes. I am not throwing out cigarette butts that pollute the environment and I am not exposing others to second hand smoke.
So what is an e-cig? An e-cig, or device, is a battery that heats a coil (the atomizer) and vaporizes a liquid containing FDA grade Vegetable Glycerin or VG, Nicotine and flavoring. Some liquids use FDA grade Propylene Glycol, or PG, in their juices but I prefer the VG ones. The atomization and vaporization creates a water vapor containing nicotine that is inhaled and exhaled simulating the experience of smoking complete with throat hit etc. But again, it's water vapor that is being inhaled minus the carcinogens, tar, etc. that are produced when burning tobacco.
What does it taste like? Pick you poison (so to speak). The vape shop I go to has over 200 flavors of "juice" ranging from ones that taste like desserts to flavors that taste like coffee drinks and ones that taste like tobacco. Right now I am "vaping" a flavor that tastes like Apple Cider with just a hint of tobacco. My wife (who switched when I did) likes one that is a peach menthol and she adds to that a dew drops of a tobacco flavor. I call her the mad scientist.
What does it cost? Again it depends on what you get. To me the NJoy and Blu units that are for sale at your local 7-eleven, to me, are too expensive to bother with and they don't work as well, or at least didn't work for me. My unit, up front, cost around 80 dollars since I customized it. Juices, which last a week or longer when bought in large containers (30ml) average around $20 dollars. Given that I smoked up to a pack and a half a day I have saved a lot of money given the cost of actual cigarettes.
What are the health effects? I am not a doctor. Some say that there's still risk, others say the risk is the same as using the patch. I can only tell you what I have discovered. First, my breathing is 10 times better than it was. I don't get congested, food tastes and smells 10 times better (and in some cases worse). I sleep better, have more energy and in general my quality of life is on the same track as it would be just by quitting cigarettes.
With all those flavors won't it tempt kids? I don't know about other places, but here in CA they check ID if you don't look over 18 as you need to be 18 to buy the unit and juices. The cost alone is a bit much for kids. Sure there are tons of flavors but there is nothing attractive about the packaging and little advertising (save for advertising the NJoy on the radio). The e-cig is not marketed to kids and if they aren't smoking then there's little reason to pick one of these up. These are for people who did/do smoke that want to quit "smoking" but aren't ready to give up nicotine or the sensation/ritual.
Sure I am still getting nicotine, sure I probably won't get off it (I enjoy the sensation and ritual of smoking) and so yeah, I am still an addict. I understand that and I understand the risks. But I also am reaping the rewards and to anyone who still smokes "analogs", if you can't quit or don't want to quit there is a, imo, healthier alternative. Everything you need can be ordered online if you don't have a vape shop near you. Like I said I am not a doctor or health professional. This is my personal testimonial only.
I just know I feel better. I know my health is getting better and I know I won't be sticking a cigarette in my mouth, lighting it on fire, and harming myself and those I love. I am smoke free and intend to stay that way.