MY CHOICE THIS TIME...
A BIG HELLO to everyone and after reading a few stories, it inspired me to join as maybe my path will help others? To quit cigarettes is the best thing anyone can ever do for themselves, as well as for others around them. Best wishes to all.
Lets start by saying I had been smoking for 25 years and ended up as a pack a day smoker. Oh how I loved cigarettes. When I was having a few drinks, I always ended up nearly chain smoking.
I knew smoking was bad for me and had tried to give up several times because it sort of made me feel guilty.
In my history, every time I tried to give up, 3,4 or 5 months later, I got sick of the empty feeling in my stomach and so sick of feeling stressed, I started up again and ended up smoking more....
Every smoker would understand the relaxing, calming effect of just sitting back of an evening, not a care in the world sort of feeling, sucking on a most powerful cocktail of legal stimulants containing tar, carbon monoxide and 2500 other nasty chemicals.
While the nicotine in a cigarette can be compared to the caffeine found in coffee or tea, it was the tar, carbon monoxide and those 2500 other nasty chemicals which I didn't like.
Nicotine itself is a very powerful and addictive drug, where in large quantities, it's also a deadly poison. Nicotine has also attracted many scientific studies, where it's been proven over and over, not to be a cancer causing agent. Nicotine is also a better choice than some prescription tablets, aimed to sooth common problems associated with human emotions.
MY CHOICE THIS TIME......
This time, my desire is to quit smoking cigarettes using a method of Nicotine Replacement Therapy,,, Vaping!
To get rid of the dirty, expensive, cancer causing cocktail of carcinogenic matter, which greedy tobacco companies still think is a good idea to sell and make billions from us addicted users.
The most powerful, successful drug cartel ever!
I started Vaping instead of smoking and have never looked back!
24 days and counting..... Sure, it's different, but to me it's a good different..
I still have to say no to my desire for a cigarette, but I remind myself that my home and car no longer stink, the ashtrays are gone and my next craving for a cigarette will meet with a lovely strawberry vanilla taste. There is also a visual experience for me in exhaling a nice cloud of sweet smelling water vapour.... Even the empty feeling I get inside is very minimal and after Vaping, it's gone.
I am not cranky, I have more energy, my sense of smell and taste have improved greatly, I do not wake up and cough in the morning, I can breath better, I am not eating more to replace cigarettes, my teeth are brighter, I just have another Vape, stay calm and be happy :)
Hey - and after 24 days my wallet is feeling much healthier too!
I can even have a few drinks without caving in and NEVER come home with a new packet of smokes.
Vaping is legal in Australia and is now praised by lot's of doctors, chemists who consider it a replacement to smoking tobacco.
Nicotine is ILLEGAL to sell on the ground Australia wide, but our government does allow the importation of up to 3 months supply for our own personal use. In the attempt to stop children from Vaping, some states even restrict sales of Vaping hardware, but for those over 18 years old, everything is legal to import for our own personal use.
If I can help anyone out there to stay away from cigarettes, I will.
I will always have time for anyone who wishes to find out more about Vaping and my choice this time. I have researched this subject in depth and have planned my attack to rid myself from the stinkies.
You can also check out a popular video sharing site online, just type in 'Vaping', to find out more and learn from others.
Good luck to everyone and remember, If you can't give up, it's time to Vape.
Hey VapeInstead I'd be interested in finding out more about vaping.
I have quit around 10 times and am about to embark on Quit Quest #11 on September 1st. I've used various methods in the past, patches (twice), Champix (twice), Zyban (three times), cold turkey, hypnotism, laser therapy (haha - now I sound like a 'quit junkies' as well as a nicotine addict!) I must admit tho, I'm quite partial to Zyban :-)
I'm 47 and have been smoking for 29 years. I don't have trouble quitting, but I have a lot of trouble staying quit. I usually get to 3, 4 or 6 months (once to two years) and then find myself wanting. Not because anything terrible has happened - just because,
I know I like smoking; I really enjoy the physical act of lighting up, inhaling, exhaling, holding the cigarette, having it with me. I don't like the smell. I don't like feeling that I'm somehow "lesser" because I smoke (and that's a self-judgement) and I don't like the toll it takes on my body physically, nor on my wallet financially.
If I am somewhere that I can't smoke I'm OK to go without for about 8 - 10 hours, but if I have the chance to smoke I always take it. On a usual work day, I probably smoke around 10 -15 cigarettes, but I can smoke anywhere from as little as 2 to as many as 25 in a day.
Over the years on the smoke-quit-smoke merry-go-round I have come to realise that my addiction is not so much physical because after 4 - 6 months there is (supposedly) no physical addiction left, so I can only conclude I have an emotional attachment to the act of smoking.
My first post on this site, which I found today, was to ask if there was anyone like me. Someone who could quit for a reasonable period but who could not stay quit. Most people I talk with or read about struggle most in the early days which is not the case for me, I struggle when it's just been "too long."
The 'empty' feeling you wrote about struck a chord with me.
It's waaaay past my bedtime now (I've been enjoying this site) but I will check out the 'video sharing site' (nice term) and read a bit more about vaping, but I'd also like to talk with you more about it if I have questions I can't find answers to. Thanks for sharing your story - sometimes it's comforting to know we are not unique!
Hi Scarlett,
Hey, I'm 47 too and it seems we both have the same drama's when it comes to getting rid of the stinkies. - Like you, I can't stay quit after the 3,4 or 5 month part.
It is day number 103 for me and I have never looked back. Vaping is my newfound freedom away from stinking cigarettes and I'm so sure I'm on a winner this time.
I'm finding myself so at ease while around others who smoke. I still would love to have 'just one', but I tell myself how bad smoking is, then continue to Vape on something that will not kill or make me feel guilty.
I keep thinking I can have any flavour in the world, apart from one, then that 'just one cigarette feeling' goes away.
I did leave a reply on the thread you posted yesterday and hope the pills help you on your way. We indeed have to find our own path to freedom and I know I have finally found mine.
I will be here for you ALWAYS and any questions you have, will always be responded to quickly.
Best wishes on your number 11 holiday from smoking and let's hope it's a long victorious cruise to victory :)
P.S Message for Scarlett
If your single, you may like to contact the moderators of this site, as I give them permission to release my email address to you :)
Hey VapeInstead I'd be interested in finding out more about vaping.
I have quit around 10 times and am about to embark on Quit Quest #11 on September 1st. I've used various methods in the past, patches (twice), Champix (twice), Zyban (three times), cold turkey, hypnotism, laser therapy (haha - now I sound like a 'quit junkies' as well as a nicotine addict!) I must admit tho, I'm quite partial to Zyban :-)
I'm 47 and have been smoking for 29 years. I don't have trouble quitting, but I have a lot of trouble staying quit. I usually get to 3, 4 or 6 months (once to two years) and then find myself wanting. Not because anything terrible has happened - just because,
I know I like smoking; I really enjoy the physical act of lighting up, inhaling, exhaling, holding the cigarette, having it with me. I don't like the smell. I don't like feeling that I'm somehow "lesser" because I smoke (and that's a self-judgement) and I don't like the toll it takes on my body physically, nor on my wallet financially.
If I am somewhere that I can't smoke I'm OK to go without for about 8 - 10 hours, but if I have the chance to smoke I always take it. On a usual work day, I probably smoke around 10 -15 cigarettes, but I can smoke anywhere from as little as 2 to as many as 25 in a day.
Over the years on the smoke-quit-smoke merry-go-round I have come to realise that my addiction is not so much physical because after 4 - 6 months there is (supposedly) no physical addiction left, so I can only conclude I have an emotional attachment to the act of smoking.
My first post on this site, which I found today, was to ask if there was anyone like me. Someone who could quit for a reasonable period but who could not stay quit. Most people I talk with or read about struggle most in the early days which is not the case for me, I struggle when it's just been "too long."
The 'empty' feeling you wrote about struck a chord with me.
It's waaaay past my bedtime now (I've been enjoying this site) but I will check out the 'video sharing site' (nice term) and read a bit more about vaping, but I'd also like to talk with you more about it if I have questions I can't find answers to. Thanks for sharing your story - sometimes it's comforting to know we are not unique!
Well, who knows what technical trickery lead to my original comment being reposted? Trickery aside, I have been cruising through quite a few vaping vids and it certainly looks interesting. As an override, there's a crew called asapscience who not only have an informative vaping vid but who also have lots of other interesting distractions. Nothing too in-depth but some bites that can give a pause for thought.
My leaning at the moment is that I should wait to see how I progress with Legs 11 and if I feel myself start to get twitchy around that 3 - 6-month mark, that's when I vape.
I already know the Zyban do their job in helping me quit, it's that longer term 'staying stopped' that I need to work on and there could certainly be a place for vaping if I reach that crossroads again. Sure enough, vaping is more attractive in the long term than trying to convince myself I'll 'just have one.'
The empirical testing in that department proves my singular success is a 100% fail rate.
The next part of the plan is to work out how and where to source my vape kit should I need it, so that I'll know it's on its way with a few clicks of the mouse. This is where you come in again, my vapemate. I'm trusting you have a brains to spare because yours is probably going to feel a little picked at by the time I've finished grilling you.
Yes, I could do all the research (and distract myself with a zillion other things while I'm about it) but if the wheel's already been invented - well, let's just ride :)
G-day legs 11, n thanks for sharing other interesting research distraction/locations.
Just you be careful and be well prepared this time.. You know and fully understand your weak spots, so do your shopping early and remember, it takes around 20-25 days for pre-mixed nicotine based E-Liquid to arrive in the mail. In that time, a lot of damage can happen to our pride and good intentions of remaining smoke free.
As for helping you find a starter kit, I can only suggest acceptable prices you could expect to pay. As soon as I post names of businesses I trust, the moderators will pull/delete my entire post and I do appreciate this site is not for advertising.
The better starter kits should contain a minimum battery capacity of 1100 mAh and can easily be found here in Australia. As for price, well, delivered to your door, you should pay NO MORE than $14 for it. Nicotine based E-Liquid has to be imported and a 50ml bottle should cost NO MORE than $7 delivered to your door. This liquid should last about 15 to 30 days and you can have any flavour you like. Shelf life is about 18 months.
My flavour this month is bubble gum, :) last month I made a mix of blueberry/vanilla.
As for the grilling you suggest to expect, it's ok, as I will still respect you in the morning.
Thank you, VapeIndeed, I've copied the price info into a doc just in case ASIO are on to it - t could be gone in a puff of vapour by morning....and speaking of mornings, you made me laugh :))
I contacted the mods for an email address but they said something about there being too much sparkle in your life already and they couldn't be responsible for an overdose. They suggested in their email that I ask you directly for your best contact details, so I'm following their suggestion...
I used to have someone to help polish my halo as there were bit's of it I couldn't reach! Sadly now, this assistance has ceased, maybe even also departed with the noisy crowd on your last cruise #9...
Due to a lengthy lack of help, it has indeed left me with rather large tarnished areas and dull patches, not to mention the bits I can't even see, so the Mod's this time may well have made another error in judgement.
Sparkle, still, is lovely to see in others and I congratulate you for seemingly having an endless supply of it.
Please suggest to management that I will never post my contact details on a public site as foolishness also has a friend called stupidity.
Let them know, to look in their big book of rules, turn to section 8, sub-section C, paragraph 2, in line 3, it clearly states, that an overdose of sparkle to a member can NOT be deemed the responsibility of a site host or it's owners.
The next sub-section D, line 1, goes on to mention, contact details may only be shared, with explicit consent of the two members wishing to communicate privately, as long as both members acknowledge sub-section C.
I wonder if ASIO has a modified version of these out-dated guidelines?
Thank you, VapeIndeed, I've copied the price info into a doc just in case ASIO are on to it - t could be gone in a puff of vapour by morning....and speaking of mornings, you made me laugh :))
I contacted the mods for an email address but they said something about there being too much sparkle in your life already and they couldn't be responsible for an overdose. They suggested in their email that I ask you directly for your best contact details, so I'm following their suggestion...
After ruminating on your reply I came to the conclusion that although trying to reason with the unreasonable can sometimes be amusing, it can also be a lengthy process which is apt to tarnish ones sparkle. And goodness knows there's enough in life to steal our glitter without searching for more.
This set me thinking (a rare but dangerous occurrence) and in a 'Bring-On-The-Buffer' moment to keep the halos a-twinkling I have created the above. It will be open for 16 hours from the time of this post. After that, it will close. I can post the address (assuming it is not immediately devoured by those necessary but sometimes tiresome moderators of life the moment I enter it) you can contact me and we can vape off in a puff of bubblegum.
Hope this works for you?