Recent Posts

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.

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.


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.

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.

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.

No dumb ass questions here, all will be answered based on members collective knowledge. Fire away till your heart's content.

I stopped smoking october 2015, i switched to vaping and cut the ciggies overnight, i now make my own juice and am on 2 mg or less, had a few cravings in the first week but since then i have'nt looked back. Will never smoke again if i can help it and the money i hve saved is very nice plus the health benefits to. If you wanna do it do it, but get all the advice off here that you can.

lesley1 Initial coughing may have been the way that you tried to inhale the vapour when you first gave it a go. Now that you've been vaping a while, you may find it ok/better... as you still have some, do give it a go. From those that know (including Public Health England, Royal College of Surgeons, etc.) the risks of vaping a tiny compared to smoking. So as said above, much better to vape to your hearts content than fall off the band wagon and risk return to smoking. Should you choose to cut down your nic levels / stop altogether is a discussion for another day... one when you're convinced that you will never return to the smoking.