Hey everyone,
I want to share a really personal story with you all. It’s about how I stopped smoking and started vaping. No fancy words or metaphors—just the real, straightforward account of how it went down.
First Two Weeks: Saying Goodbye to Cigarettes
In those initial two weeks, it felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. One minute I’d be super motivated, ready to ditch smoking for good. The next minute, I’d find myself wrestling with the urge to light up just one more cigarette. But I was committed. Every time I had a craving, I reminded myself of why I wanted to quit: for my health, for my family, and for a bit of extra cash in my pocket.
I started by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes I smoked each day. If I usually had one every hour, I pushed it to every two hours, then three. That helped me ease into things rather than stopping cold turkey, which can be pretty tough.
When I finally decided to stop smoking cigarettes completely, I didn’t make any grand ceremony out of it. No last smokes or farewell drags. I just stopped buying packs, threw out my ashtrays and lighters, and shifted my focus to vaping.
First Month: Getting Used to Vaping
That first month with my new vape pen was kind of strange. In place of flicking a lighter, I was pressing a button, and instead of smoke, there was this cleaner-feeling vapor. Choosing the right nicotine strength was critical because I didn’t want to overwhelm myself or make the cravings worse. So, I picked a middle-ground 12mg nicotine e-liquid that seemed to hit the spot without going overboard.
Menthol was my first flavor choice. It was cool and refreshing, a little like the menthol cigarettes I used to smoke but without the harsh smoke aftertaste. It made the transition smoother since it wasn’t a drastic shift from what I was familiar with. Plus, not smelling like smoke all the time was a nice bonus that kept me motivated.
Aside from the flavor, getting used to the vape pen itself took some time. I learned how to fill the tank without spilling, figured out the amount of vapor that felt comfortable, and got into the habit of charging the device each night so it was ready for the next day. It was all simple enough, but definitely different from what I was used to with a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
Second and Third Month: Trying New Things
During the second month, I felt more comfortable with my vape pen and started dropping the nicotine level to 6mg. It was a bit nerve-wracking because I didn’t want to fall back into old habits. But lowering the nicotine gradually seemed like a smart move to lessen my dependency on it.
At this point, exploration became key. I ventured out beyond the familiar menthol and began trying flavors that I never could with cigarettes. The coffee flavor was rich and robust, perfect for mornings. Strawberry had that sweet kick that paired well with afternoon breaks. And mango? It was like a tropical getaway during my workday. Each new e-liquid flavor was like opening a door to a room I never knew existed in my own house.
This variety wasn’t just enjoyable—it was a strategy. It kept vaping fresh and exciting, which made the idea of smoking seem less appealing by comparison. Plus, having a range of flavors meant I could pick one to suit my mood, which really helped keep the cigarette cravings at a distance.
Fourth to Sixth Month: Dealing with Cravings
By the fourth month, I hit some rough patches. There were moments when stress or habit would trigger a strong desire to smoke. I could almost feel the weight of a cigarette between my fingers. That’s when I leaned into the world of dessert-flavored vapes. They were comforting and completely different from what I was craving, making it easier to sidestep the urge to smoke.
Vanilla custard quickly became a go-to; its smooth, creamy taste was soothing and indulgent. Chocolate fudge was another favorite—rich, a little decadent, and satisfying like a post-dinner treat without any calories. These flavors did more than just help me combat cravings; they made me realize I didn’t have to rely on cigarettes for stress relief or pleasure. Vaping these dessert options provided a small escape, a momentary pause that cigarettes used to fill but now felt unnecessary. It was another step towards breaking the old cycle and building new, healthier habits.
After Six Months: Really Into Vaping Now
After half a year, vaping had become something I enjoyed rather than just a way to stop smoking. I had found my sweet spot with a lower nicotine level of 3mg. I became kind of a flavor connoisseur, loving combinations like cinnamon apple and peppermint latte. Cigarettes had become a thing of the past.
Now: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Today, I can look back and see how far I’ve come. For anyone thinking about switching from smoking to vaping, here’s my advice: take it slow, find flavors you love, and don’t worry about having the occasional tough day. It’s not just about quitting one thing; it’s about starting something new that you can enjoy without all the smoke.