Vaping as an alternative to smoking

[lobeydosser]

In the past I would have advised lesley1 to get some flavour concentrates, PG, VG and some Nic Base and make up some 24mg e-juice.
However, with some of that finishing in May, I am not sure how to advise her. Time is running out for those who are just beginning their journeys into Vaping, especially if they want e-juice higher than 18mg.

[lesley1]

Feb 13, 2017 6:43:51 GMT DaveJ said:

Hi @lesley1 - you've already been given really useful advice.

Can I add my opinions and experience to endorse what others have already said? And the best of luck to you in making the switch, the effort is very worthwhile.

Feb 12, 2017 21:26:35 GMT lesley1 said:

Is there a secret formula to quitting? I smoked for nearly 30 years until I had a stroke in November, by then I was up to between 25/30 a day.
I'm have been using a 50/50 juice at 18mg nicotine for the last few months and still have a yen for a cigg (i need to have at least one in the house all the time, the problem is i need to smoke the other 9/19 to get to one :-()
Is there a timescale for reducing the nicotine level? I'd like to eventually be completely nicotine free.
How did you all manage?

There is no secret formulae to quitting. I think each here will have slightly different stories about their own experience. That said, we all have been through what you doing now and we all can share our common thoughts with you. We all want to see you win this thing.

I was a heavy smoker for 37 years (30 to 50 a day) Not as long as some, longer than others - certainly long enough to know it was hurting me and to want to be rid of the damned things.

My first comment would be do not fear the nicotine. As others have already said, that's the least of your problems. Get a juice mix/flavour and nic strength that works for you and do not be scared to use it for a good long while - months or even years if necessary. The nicotine is not your enemy, it's all that other shit in tobacco (ATOSIT) that does the serious harm and, to me, seems to "supercharge" the addictive properties of the smokes. I'm convinced it's that other stuff I was craving for so long after I switched to vaping even though I knew I was getting sufficient nicotine.

I managed with a couple of extra strong e-juice brews (high ratio nic) for "those times"... coupled with a little will power ("I'll just hang in there for a few more minutes before I go for the smoke"), the knowledge others I knew in places like this forum had already "done it", the support of my Wife and, finally, the security blanket of that unopened carton in the kitchen cupboard ... which I only just recently disposed of after THREE YEARS.

My point is it isn't a short term thing you do. You are trying to change a lifetime habit. You need to unlearn all those smoking habits and relearn replacements. That takes time and some effort especially in the early days. Some have an easier time than others - but we all needed to "work at it" at least a little to get there.

Feb 12, 2017 22:12:35 GMT lesley1 said:

Hi
I did try the higher strength briefly but had a mad coughing fit in the shop lol! I have some in the house so could try it again.
I was a bit concerned about the amount I am vaping, I seem to be using it all the time....a bit like a security blanket I think.
At the minute i'm using an Istick 20w but I am waiting on a Pico to arrive. I didn't realise it came with sub ohm coils which
will be of no use at all for me so currently looking for something suitable.

Nicotine and coffee....my current vices....I'm a lost cause :-( I really don't want to be back on the ciggs and in the hospital.

Thank you :-)

Again - nicotine is not your enemy. Until you have got comfortable in your new smoke free place, don't be scared to vape nicotine and vape frequently. I think many of us here vape a lot. I mean a huge amount more then when we smoked. I certainly do.

Your body will tell you if you are overdoing it. If that happens, just cool it for a bit, no problem. But until that stage, use the nic.

The way you draw on your e-cig can have a bearing - as well as the flavour, the ratio of PG to VG, the type of attie as well as the power you run it at. It will take a little time to find and settle on a combination that works best for you. Don't be scared to seek out and try different equipment either - each of us prefers different types of gear - each of us likes different things. It may be possible that something else will work better for you. And don't be scared about asking for others views about equipment - lots here have tried all sorts of atties and mods.

Oh - a reminder, if you've not already heard it. Vaping tends to "dry you out". Drink lots of water. Then drink more. You will need it.

Feb 12, 2017 22:45:35 GMT lesley1 said:

Thank you.

I'm going to try a 24mg tomorrow but I was a failure at science so don't feel in any way confident adding nicotine to my existing ones. I'm a liability and its v toxic, it would be a disaster lol!!
It is worth baring in mind though. I'm sure as I get a bit more confident I may want to try things out myself.
Well done you :-))

If you are not "sub ohming" at high power levels, then 24 mg/ml nicotine is not overly strong for an ex-heavy smoker, especially when going thro the transition. I've heard of folk needing far stronger than that to succeed. Don't be scared to have one setup with a very strong brew for those times of particular stress or need.

If you do wish to add extra nicotine to existing juices but are unsure how much... then ask. There are several around here who are very clever with numbers and very willing to help with those sort of questions.

Feb 12, 2017 23:18:23 GMT lesley1 said:

.... I'm trying to limit the number of really dumb ass questions lol

Ask away! We've all been through it. We all understand what starting out is like.


Keep at it, Leslie. The end results are well worth this initial confusion and learning.

Hello

You are of course very welcome to contribute 😃 And thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Water is something I haven't really thought about, other than being in my coffee. I definitely don't take on enough fluids during the day. Water is evill lol. That may go some way to explaining my sore head ( along with all the info I'm trying to take on board)

I have tried a higher strength today and haven't had any ill effects

I'm always in a rush, need to do everything right now!! But I agree that this vaping malarkey is something I need to take my own time with.

Not sure I'm any good at patience 😬

[lesley1]

Feb 13, 2017 12:05:47 GMT Q said:

I started vaping 3 years ago on 18mg, I had been a smoker (20-30 per day) for 41 years, the longest I had given up was the 2 weeks of my honeymoon.

I dropped to 12mg almost immediately, and then started mixing my own, realsed that a division of 72 was the easiest formula so I dropped to 7.2mg, then 3.6mg and then 1.8mg it was becoming obvious that I didn't need nic so I mixed some nic free, left them unlabelled & mixed them with my stash... I couldn't tell the difference

So I made the decision to go totally nic free and have been that way for best part of a year.

The other day I came across some older juice that I'd forgotten about, it was 1.8mg so I thought "that is so little I wont notice it" I DID, I felt physically sick, I now know for certain that I will NEVER have another cigarette, all I have to do now is use up the 200+ bottles of concentrate that I've collected.

Yikes that's a lot to get through
I'm sure you will conquer that too!!
I think purchasing some nicotine is probably a good start. I don't think I'll be dropping as quickly as you And if I do need a bit more for a bit it's not a disaster if it keeps me off the ciggs:-)

[Postmodern Smoking]

Feb 13, 2017 18:57:10 GMT lesley1 said:

I have tried a higher strength today and haven't had any ill effects

Yay .... glad that you are getting on better with the higher strength than your very first try.... hopefully it'll assist with any nasty cravings

[striker42]

Feb 13, 2017 17:58:22 GMT lobeydosser said:

In the past I would have advised lesley1 to get some flavour concentrates, PG, VG and some Nic Base and make up some 24mg e-juice.
However, with some of that finishing in May, I am not sure how to advise her. Time is running out for those who are just beginning their journeys into Vaping, especially if they want e-juice higher than 18mg.

About the only advice I give to new vapers lobeydosser is, if you can afford it, buy  litre or two of 72mg  nicotine and stick it in the freezer. In a few months time it could prove to be a worthwhile investment.

[Bobsbeer]

I totally agree with you striker42. Every vaper should have a stash of 72mg unless they are already on 0mg nic. I only use 1mg, but have enough frozen to last till I'm over 100.

Note to self: Put it in my will

[lesley1]

Feb 13, 2017 19:58:34 GMT Bobsbeer said:

I totally agree with you striker42. Every vaper should have a stash of 72mg unless they are already on 0mg nic. I only use 1mg, but have enough frozen to last till I'm over 100.

Note to self: Put it in my will

Need to ask.....how does one freeze it? In small tiny batches or do you just fling it in the freezer with the fish fingers? I'm guessing once defrosted it can't be refrozen?

[yourgurnard]

Vaping is AMAZING!!!
It's been nearly 3 yrs since I 1st started....with an Ego-type batt. & clearo. bought at a boot-fair.
I had NO wish to give up the roll-ups.....& had NEVER tried to give up in any shape or form...ie. no patches etc etc.
My 1st juice (Apple flavour.....the vendor had sold out of 'tobacco' flavour in 24mg...) was n't that successful...it just made Me want a roll-up immediately after a vape....but I could see the potential! Found POTV via Google & thru' advice from there, bought an MVP & juices from BCL.
Was now down to 1 fag in the morn. & 1 last thing at night............THEN, I discovered HoL & Their juices made from real tobacco....realised that I could give the fags up now.....& did!!!!
I've tried 2 roll-ups in the last 2 years & thrown'em both away after 2 drags!.......they've NO throat hit & NO taste!....I'll stick to My Tobacco steeps.
(Prob. is when I get passed a spliff with burning tobacco in!.....I can't turn it down but it tastes bloody awful!!!!)

[Postmodern Smoking]

Feb 13, 2017 20:41:26 GMT lesley1 said:

Feb 13, 2017 19:58:34 GMT Bobsbeer said:

I totally agree with you striker42 . Every vaper should have a stash of 72mg unless they are already on 0mg nic. I only use 1mg, but have enough frozen to last till I'm over 100.

Note to self: Put it in my will

Need to ask.....how does one freeze it? In small tiny batches or do you just fling it in the freezer with the fish fingers? I'm guessing once defrosted it can't be refrozen?

It doesn't actually freeze (or expand) so usually glass bottles are used .... ideally with child resistant caps and well labelled in the bottom of the freezer. Typically it's decanted into 100ml or 250ml or 500ml bottles.

This is used for long term storage. For everyday DIY mixing use a bottle can be kept in a cool dark place.

[lobeydosser]

Hi lesley1 I keep my Nic Base in one litre bottles in the freezer.
I defrost a bottle as I need it and then decant it into ten X 100ml bottles and I refreeze nine of these. I then use the tenth bottle to make up any mixes.
I always leave any defrosting bottle at room temperature for 12 hours before decanting or mixing with it.

After May you will not be able to buy any Nic Base over 20mg, so if you are going into mixing, BUY NOW!!!!

Unlike others, I have no intention of cutting down on the strength of my Nicotine. What I am using now suits me just fine and I now have at least 10 years worth stashed away in the freezer.
Hopefully by then all these stupid EU Rules will be dismantled and we can all get back to sensible vaping.

[lobeydosser]

As I stated earlier, Vaping is my alternative to smoking. IE, if I couldn't vape I would be back to smoking and it is with this in mind that, over the past couple of years and in the knowledge that the EU would find a way to try to scupper Vaping, that I have been stashing away a 10 year supply of Vaping equipment and chemicals.
This stash has cost me somewhere between £500 and £700. Not a lot when spread over a 2 year period.
10 years supply of cigarettes, at the rate I was smoking them, would cost me £65,700 at today's prices.

Just another tiny reason why I consider Vaping to be a better alternative to Smoking.

[GunJack]

Feb 13, 2017 0:38:04 GMT lobeydosser said:

Some folks around here are on 45mg e-juice whilst many are on 24mg. The only ones that use less than 24mg are all sub-ohming.

Oh no we're not!!!!

I've dropped from 24mg to 9mg, deffo not sub-ohming (don't like it) but very gradually over several years. All protank/aerotanks for me, on a small variety of mods...but the important thing is to find what works FOR YOU

[Lynne77]

I don't sub-ohm either and I'm on 2mg now

Best thing I ever did, worked straight away for me, not had one cig since I started vaping over 3 years now

[lobeydosser]

Feb 14, 2017 9:36:09 GMT GunJack said:

Feb 13, 2017 0:38:04 GMT lobeydosser said:

Some folks around here are on 45mg e-juice whilst many are on 24mg. The only ones that use less than 24mg are all sub-ohming.

Oh no we're not!!!!

I've dropped from 24mg to 9mg, deffo not sub-ohming (don't like it) but very gradually over several years. All protank/aerotanks for me, on a small variety of mods...but the important thing is to find what works FOR YOU

When I said "around here" I meant around here where I live, not around here on the forum!!!!

[lesley1]

Feb 13, 2017 21:05:26 GMT yourgurnard said:

Vaping is AMAZING!!!
It's been nearly 3 yrs since I 1st started....with an Ego-type batt. & clearo. bought at a boot-fair.
I had NO wish to give up the roll-ups.....& had NEVER tried to give up in any shape or form...ie. no patches etc etc.
My 1st juice (Apple flavour.....the vendor had sold out of 'tobacco' flavour in 24mg...) was n't that successful...it just made Me want a roll-up immediately after a vape....but I could see the potential! Found POTV via Google & thru' advice from there, bought an MVP & juices from BCL.
Was now down to 1 fag in the morn. & 1 last thing at night............THEN, I discovered HoL & Their juices made from real tobacco....realised that I could give the fags up now.....& did!!!!
I've tried 2 roll-ups in the last 2 years & thrown'em both away after 2 drags!.......they've NO throat hit & NO taste!....I'll stick to My Tobacco steeps.
(Prob. is when I get passed a spliff with burning tobacco in!.....I can't turn it down but it tastes bloody awful!!!!)

I thought I could do with one at each end of the day but find doing that just makes me run out to buy more!
I've now only got one lone solo cig in a drawer. I'm hoping knowing its there just incase will be better :-)