Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England, with over 5 million people in the country still smoking. The journey to becoming smoke-free is not easy, but the benefits are profound and far-reaching. Smoking can impact not only your health but also your quality of life and financial well-being.

The decline in smoking rates in the UK is a testament to the effectiveness of public health campaigns and the determination of individuals committed to breaking free from nicotine addiction. Government research shows that the total cost of smoking to society in England is approximately £17 billion a year - this includes the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking at approximately £1.9 billion a year.

Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing numerous health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. The benefits begin almost immediately; within just 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure start to return to normal. After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal, and within a few months, your lung function begins to improve. Long-term benefits include a lower risk of heart disease, respiratory problems and a significant increase in life expectancy.

Beyond health, quitting smoking also offers considerable financial benefits. The average smoker in the UK spends over £3,000 a year on cigarettes. By quitting, you can redirect these funds towards savings, holidays, hobbies, or other enriching experiences.

In this blog, we'll explore the steps to quitting smoking, providing you with practical advice, resources, and encouragement to help you on your journey. Whether you're considering quitting for the first time or have tried before, this guide will support you in taking the first steps towards a healthier, smoke-free life. Join the growing number of people in the UK who are choosing health and freedom over cigarettes—your future self will thank you!

We all know that smoking is bad for you. From the highly addictive nicotine to the smoke and tar full of carcinogenic chemicals, there is no denying that smoking tobacco cigarettes will ruin your health.

The harmful chemicals in cigarettes include formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and arsenic. Every time you smoke a cigarette, you are inhaling these and over 4000 other chemicals, not to mention highly toxic carbon monoxide gas. Just thinking about it is enough to make you feel ill.

But what about the long-term effects of smoking? Many people continue to smoke because they can’t see what damage it is doing. This is the hard truth of what smoking does to you.

Cancer

The dreaded big ‘C’, you can’t get away from it. Smoking causes a multitude of varying cancers, including lung, throat, mouth, stomach and bowel cancer. And the list doesn’t stop there…

Heart Disease

Smoking damages your arteries, causing a build-up of fat that blocks and narrows them. Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in your body, so your heart has to work harder than it usually would. This combination means that you are at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Lung Disease

Not only can smoking cause lung cancer, but also other serious respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath, constant coughing, fatigue, sleep problems and depression.

Infertility/Impotence

Long-term smoking can create infertility problems for those trying to conceive. Heavy smoking can also lead to impotence in men.

Birth Defects

Smoking while pregnant exposes your unborn child to the same toxins and chemicals as you. This can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Smoking also increases the risk of premature birth and abnormally low birth weight. It also increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

There’s no denying that tobacco smoking is a major health concern for those who smoke and those around them, especially children affected by passive smoking. Smoking-related diseases are responsible for up to 100,000 deaths annually in the UK. Smoking-related diseases also put a terrible burden on NHS resources and funds.

With the rise in taxes on tobacco products, smoking is becoming an increasingly expensive habit to maintain. In 2007, the smoking ban was enforced. Soon, smoking will be illegal in any vehicle where children are present.

Yet, with all these negative aspects of smoking weighing up, why do so many smokers find it almost impossible to quit?

Nicotine Addiction

The main reason that many smokers find it hard to quit is because they are addicted to the nicotine present in cigarettes. The nicotine level varies from 2mg - 8mg per cigarette, depending on the cigarette's strength.

Lack Of Willpower

Many smokers feel that they are not strong-minded enough to quit. They lack the willpower to resist the temptation of smoking. This is particularly true for smokers who wish to quit but their partner continues to smoke. Many smokers blame triggers such as stress, tiredness or anxiety as the leading causes of reaching for the cigarette packet.

Smoking Is A Habit

Smokers associate smoking with other habitual activities such as drinking coffee or alcohol or consistently reaching for that after-meal cigarette. Smoking has become a habit that they just can’t seem to break. However, associating smoking with other activities will make quitting much harder.

Smokers who have tried to quit complain that they miss the hand-to-mouth action of cigarette smoking or that they miss holding a cigarette between their fingers.

Fear Of Gaining Weight

The fear of piling on the pounds by comforting eating is another major reason many smokers are reluctant to quit. They believe that cigarettes act as an appetite suppressant that can stave off hunger pangs and that boredom and frustration in dealing with their cigarette cravings have them reaching for calorie-rich alternatives such as sugar-laden foods.

They Just Don’t Want To Quit

Finally, some smokers enjoy the experience of smoking too much to want to give up. They can’t imagine life without a cigarette and are reluctant to try non-smoking alternatives because they would miss the taste and ‘hit’ of smoking too much. If you are one of the many smokers who is finding it impossible to quit smoking and would like to try a non-smoking alternative to tobacco cigarettes, consider trying an e-cigarette.

E-cigarettes, or vapes, are available in a wide range of flavours, including tobacco-flavoured liquids with a genuine tobacco taste. E liquids are also available with different nicotine levels, so you can adjust the levels and cut down gradually without suffering from severe nicotine withdrawal.

It doesn’t matter whether you are looking at climbing a mountain or giving up smoking; when you take on a project or aim for something big, you must set goals.

Not all goals are equal, so you must be savvy to succeed. First, ensure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). If, for example, you are looking to lose weight, you might break your goals down into realistic targets, set yourself a time limit for each half-stone lost, and ensure your goal is measurable, i.e. by weighing in weekly, that the goal is specific (so lose 19lb, not “lose some weight”) and that it can be done (losing 19lb by next week is not attainable).

Once you have considered what you want to achieve and set your goals, you are on your way to success!

Quitting Smoking

A common goal is quitting smoking. Given that tobacco smoking is banned in public places and at work, that it is well known to be harmful to your health and is increasingly expensive, there’s no wonder this is at the top of many people's lists!

Wanting to give up smoking, however, and doing it is hard and, so it can take some planning. Some ways to help yourself when quitting smoking include visiting an NHS cessation clinic, using nicotine replacement therapy, going cold turkey, or switching to vaping.

Yes! Vaping can help you give up tobacco smoking! Two parts to smoking make it so hard to quit, one being the highly addictive nicotine the cigarettes contain, and the second, which is hard to crack, is the physical habit. Smoking can be stress-relieving, calming, and friendly; having something in your hand and the hand-to-mouth action is hard to break. Many turn to vaping to continue enjoying the physical act and to maintain their nicotine level but without the nasties contained in tobacco cigarettes (many of which have been confirmed by WHO as being cancer-causing).

Even better, unlike regular cigarettes, with an e-cigarette, you can choose what nicotine level you wish to include in your e-liquid to gradually reduce this over time rather than all at once, making it easier to wean yourself. There are even nicotine-free e-liquids in a wide range of flavours to enjoy a significantly cleaner and healthier smoke (Public Health England has stated vaping is the healthier smoking alternative by far).

Overcoming nicotine cravings is essential to quitting smoking or any form of nicotine use. These cravings can be intense and challenging, but managing and eventually conquering them successfully with the right strategies is possible. This article delves into specific details on how to effectively cope with nicotine cravings, providing valuable tips and techniques to help individuals on their journey towards a smoke-free life.

Identify Triggers:

Understanding the triggers that lead to nicotine cravings is crucial in managing them. Common triggers include stress, boredom, social situations, and specific smoking-related places or activities. By recognising these triggers, individuals can develop a plan to avoid or confront them, making it easier to cope with cravings when they arise.

Develop a Support System:

Quitting nicotine is easier when you have a strong support system. Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who can provide encouragement and understanding throughout your journey. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others who have gone through or are going through the same struggle can be immensely beneficial.

Engage in Regular Exercise:

Physical activity is an effective way to reduce nicotine cravings. Exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety often associated with cravings. Incorporating regular workouts, even if it's just a brisk walk, can significantly contribute to managing cravings and improving overall well-being.

Practice Deep Breathing and Meditation:

Deep breathing exercises and meditation techniques can assist in managing cravings by promoting relaxation and reducing tension. When a craving strikes, take a moment to close your eyes, take slow, deep breaths, and focus on calming thoughts. These practices can help redirect your mind from the craving and regain control over your thoughts and emotions.

Distract Yourself:

Finding a healthy distraction can be a powerful tool when a craving hits. Engage in activities that capture your attention, such as reading a book, doing a puzzle, or pursuing a hobby. Keeping your mind and hands occupied will shift the focus away from the craving, allowing it to subside naturally.

Set Achievable Goals:

Breaking the journey to quit smoking into smaller, achievable goals can make the process more manageable. Celebrating each milestone, no matter how small, reinforces your determination and commitment to quitting.

Quitting smoking is a significant achievement that deserves celebration. Overcoming this challenging habit requires dedication, willpower, and determination. Celebrating the milestones during your journey to a smoke-free life is crucial, as it acknowledges your progress and reinforces your commitment to success.

The Significance Of Celebrating Success:

Acknowledging and celebrating your accomplishments while quitting smoking can be a powerful motivator. Recognising your progress reinforces the positive changes you've made in your life. Celebrations create a sense of achievement, boosting your self-confidence and reminding you of the importance of your goal. Moreover, celebrating success releases dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, which can reinforce your determination to stay smoke-free.

Set Milestones and Goals:

It is essential to break down your smoke-free journey into smaller milestones and achievable goals. Celebrate these milestones when you reach them, whether it has been a day, a week, a month, or more since you last smoked. Each milestone signifies a step closer to your ultimate goal of living a healthier life.

Treat Yourself:

Rewarding yourself when you achieve a milestone is an excellent way to stay motivated. Choose rewards that do not involve smoking or harmful habits, such as treating yourself to a favourite meal at a restaurant, buying something you've wanted for a while, or planning a day trip to a destination you love.

Share Your Success:

Share your achievements with friends, family, or a support group. Letting others know about your progress allows them to celebrate with you and provide encouragement. Their positive reinforcement strengthens your resolve and keeps you accountable on your journey.

Create a Memory Jar:

Start a memory jar where you can jot down notes about your achievements, moments of triumph, and words of encouragement from loved ones. When you feel challenged or tempted to smoke, revisit these notes to remind yourself how far you've come.

Engage in Healthy Activities:

Instead of turning to smoking to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom, explore healthier alternatives. Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfilment, such as exercising, painting, meditation, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Document Your Progress:

Keep a journal to document your journey. Write about your challenges, how you overcame them, and your feelings after each milestone. Reflecting on your progress can be incredibly motivating and remind you of your resilience.

Several vaping products are specifically designed to assist smokers in their journey to quit:

Starter Kits: Vaping starter kits are ideal for beginners, containing everything needed to begin the vaping experience. These kits typically include a vapouriser, rechargeable batteries, and pre-filled or refillable e-liquid cartridges.

Pod Systems: Pod systems are user-friendly, portable devices that use pre-filled or refillable pods. They offer a hassle-free and discrete vaping experience, making them suitable for those transitioning from cigarettes.

Nicotine Salt E-Liquids: Nicotine salt e-liquids deliver nicotine more efficiently, simulating the rapid effects of smoking a traditional cigarette. This can be especially helpful for heavy smokers seeking a more satisfying vaping experience.

Temperature Control Mods: These advanced mod vaping devices allow users to customise their experience by adjusting temperature settings and wattage. Temperature control mods are popular among experienced vapers who want more control over their device.

The transition from smoking to vaping can be a life-changing decision that positively impacts your health and lifestyle. Vaping offers an alternative to traditional smoking, providing a smoother and potentially safer experience. Adopting a gradual reduction approach is essential to make this switch as smooth as possible. By understanding the benefits, selecting the right vaping device, choosing suitable e-liquids, and addressing potential challenges, individuals can effectively ease into vaping and improve their chances of successfully leaving cigarettes behind.

Understanding the Benefits

Before embarking on the vaping journey, it is vital to recognise the numerous benefits of this transition. Vaping eliminates the harmful toxins from combustion during smoking, significantly reducing the health risks associated with traditional cigarettes. Moreover, transitioning to vaping can lead to improved respiratory function, increased sense of taste and smell, and decreased likelihood of secondhand smoke exposure to others. Understanding these advantages can serve as a powerful motivator during the transition process.

Selecting the Right Vaping Device

Choosing the appropriate vaping device is critical in ensuring a smooth switch. Beginners often find pod systems or disposable vapes more user-friendly due to their simplicity and ease of use. These devices are designed to mimic the sensation of smoking, making them ideal for those looking for a familiar experience. Additionally, they offer various nicotine strengths, allowing users to decrease their nicotine intake as they progress gradually.

Choosing Suitable E-liquids

E-liquids, or vape juices, are significant in the vaping experience. Smokers transitioning to vaping may benefit from starting with e-liquids with a nicotine concentration similar to regular cigarettes. This familiarity can ease the psychological aspect of the switch. As time passes, individuals can gradually decrease the nicotine content in their e-liquids until they reach a nicotine-free option, if desired.

Addressing Potential Challenges

It's essential to acknowledge that transitioning from smoking to vaping might pose challenges. Initially, individuals may experience minor side effects such as throat irritation or coughing, which are temporary and often subside as the body adjusts to the change. Staying hydrated and opting for high-quality e-liquids can help alleviate these issues. Additionally, finding support through online communities or local vape shops can offer encouragement and advice.

Switching from smoking to vaping has got to be one of the healthiest choices you can make. Public Health England is pushing for vaping to be more widely recognised as an alternative to smoking and for e-cigarettes to be recognised as official cessation devices. After hailing vaping as being “at least 95% less harmful than tobacco cigarettes” in their 2018 review on the topic, it is clear that PHE, who are pro-health and anti-smoking (and responsible for the Go Smoke Free ban of 2007), are fans of e-cigarettes.

If you have arrived at this point and are considering moving over to vaping, the chances are that you already know why giving up smoking is a good idea for your health as well as for your finances, the environment, for the NHS and more. With this in mind, we are going to lay out some information for you which will hopefully help you make a great start to switching over to vaping and keep you away from tobacco cigarette smoking.

Don’t Go Back!

One of the hardest things when it comes to quitting smoking is the fact that you are fighting a battle on two fronts. First of all, your body craves the nicotine it is used to, and secondly, you crave or miss the physical habits you have become so used to. Numerous studies have come to light which have shown that smokers are just as addicted to the hand-to-mouth action, the social aspect, the habit of having something in their hands and the act of inhaling and exhaling as the nicotine and smoking aspects themselves. Smokers even miss the throat hits that they get from smoking cigarettes. With this in mind, it is easy to see why giving up smoking cold turkey can be incredibly difficult. This is where vaping comes in.

Vaping enables you to find alternative ways to enjoy the hobby you previously did without the toxic and potentially cancer-causing chemicals (according to WHO - The World Health Organisation). You may still enjoy the hand-to-mouth, inhale and exhale, having something in your hand and the social and calming aspects of smoking, just by using an e-cigarette instead. Having this in place is what is making giving up smoking and staying smoke-free so much easier for smokers who would otherwise be tempted to slip back into their harmful habits.

Successfully switching from smoking to vaping is significantly easier (say many vapers) than just giving up smoking. That said, if you don’t want to go back to smoking, you need to ensure that you also have support and realise that you do need to stick with vaping and give up smoking altogether in order to take advantage of the health benefits of not smoking.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Vaping Lingo and Choice!

When it comes to smoking, you typically have three choices, “normal” strength tobacco cigarettes, “lights” and menthol tobacco cigarettes. When it comes to vaping, you have a world of choices open to you, from various e-liquid flavours to base types to nicotine strengths to device types. Our advice is to start simple in order to avoid overwhelm and to give yourself a chance to work out what works for you.

A basic starter kit has everything you need to get started. From there, you need to choose your e-liquids. 12mg is the usual amount of nicotine you would expect to find in a tobacco cigarette, so start around here or a little lower. Instead of buying thirty thousand different e-liquids, choose a few you suspect you might like, such as tobacco e-liquid, menthol e-liquid, a dessert e-liquid if you have a sweet tooth and so on. We would rather you choose a few of our e-juices and stay smoke-free than place a large order once, get overwhelmed and go back to the unhealthy tobacco cigarette habit you were so keen to walk away from!

Accountability

If you’re going to quit smoking and successfully switch over to vaping, make yourself accountable to someone or several someones. Make sure you tell people you are going to quit, ask people who you know will support you to keep tabs on you, post about your intention of switching to vaping on social media and consider an app that will help you track your number of smoke-free days and offer additional hints and tips for success.

Be Realistic About Vaping

You will not pick up your first e-cigarette; take a draw and find it exactly the same as smoking a tobacco cigarette. This is because vaping and smoking are very different. For one, vaping is about heated-up e-liquid to make vapour, and tobacco smoking is about burning tobacco and including chemicals to produce smoke. Of course, there will be some differences, but you’ll very quickly get to grips with them. It will soon be as if you’d always been a vaper.

The hand-to-mouth actions are the same; the nicotine is still there if you want it, and you may still enjoy the pleasantly gravelly throat hit that you are used to. The differences include the flavours (although there are tobacco e-liquids available) and how you activate your e-cig and inhale/exhale. It doesn’t take long to get used to it, and many individuals find that once they’ve found their favourite device, e liquids and so on, vaping is far more pleasurable than smoking, as well as often being cheaper, healthier and more socially acceptable (if that’s important to you).

Despite vaping being different in some ways, it is worth persevering with!

As mentioned above, you don’t need to go crazy with buying a vape kit when you’re just getting started. You’ve plenty of time to try new devices, new products and so on. Your starting list should include:

A Basic Starter Kit or Device

A starter kit has everything you need to get going, and some also include a handful of e-liquids. There are basic starter kits and more advanced ones. If you want to jump straight to a standalone device, research your options before buying something. There are plenty or options, from pod systems to vape pens and more.

E Liquids

While it is tempting to go and buy one of every flavour, choose a few to get you started. You can always get more.

Spare Batteries

E-cigarettes run on lithium batteries, similar to mobile phones. Make sure that you have a spare battery or, if you have a recharge-only vape ecig, that you have another ready and charged to go so that you don’t find yourself out of charge and tempted to reach for cigarettes while waiting.

Replacement Coils

Most tanks feature replaceable coils. If you have chosen this kind of device, make sure you have replacement coils in so that you aren’t left with an e-cigarette that won’t work, which could lead to you buying tobacco again while you wait for coils to arrive.

A Travel Charger

If you are away from home or the office and in your car a lot, it may be worthwhile considering a travel charger so that you may charge your batteries or your device while away so that once again, you are not left without anything vape-ready.

If you experimented with cigarettes as a youngster, you might have already experienced the effects of a mild nicotine overdose. The classic symptoms are a queasy feeling in the stomach and dizziness. The symptoms pass after about ten or twenty minutes without long-lasting effects.

Even so, nicotine is a poisonous substance that must be stored carefully. The jury is still out on the actual lethal dosage. Current thinking is that swallowing 30 to 60mg of nicotine would be fatal for an adult.

Common sense tells us that any child could easily mistake a strawberry-scented e-juice for something nice to drink. It’s a real risk that all vapers should be aware of. Keep your vaping kit and e-juices well away from kids and pets.

Start with a nicotine level that’s equivalent, more or less, to what you were used to when smoking; considering cigarette strength and frequency, you can decide what suits you best. Depending on your preference, you might find that the equivalent amount of nicotine in vaping offers more throat hits than you like or less. You might decrease your nicotine consumption because you don’t want to vape anything besides flavourings and base liquids.

Some vapers find that e-liquids with high nicotine levels have a bitter, chemical taste. Others say that it’s more of a peppery flavour.

The taste of nicotine is much less noticeable in low-strength liquids. If vaping leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth, you may prefer to drop down to an e-liquid with low to medium nicotine content.

One of the big attractions for ex-smokers taking up vaping is the throat hit. This stimulating sensation comes from a combination of the Propylene Glycol and nicotine content of the e-juice. E-juices with a higher ratio of PG to VG and those with higher nicotine levels will hit a sharper throat.

The final factor that we need to look at is vaping frequency.

If you’re an ex-smoker used to fast, frequent smoking throughout the day, you may find that vaping is a very different experience.

Continually puffing e-liquid vapour like you would smoke a cigarette can overload your body with nicotine. The typical symptoms are dizziness and an upset stomach.

Comfortable, satisfying vaping begins with a slower, longer draw. If you’re using a sub-Ohm device, a more casual approach is even more critical, as you’ll generally inhale a more considerable volume of vapour. This type of vaping calls for e-liquid with low nicotine content.

Even if you start vaping with a medium (12mg/ml or 1.2%) or high nicotine-content e-juice (18mg/ml or 1.8% or higher), you may find it comfortable and easy to lower your nicotine intake if you do it gradually.

To progressively reduce your nicotine intake, drop to a lower-strength e-liquid every one or two months.

Take a few extra draws if the lower nicotine level isn’t hitting the spot. If you overdo it, you may feel a little dizzy and unwell.

Stick with the reduction plan until you reach the lowest e-juice strength, which still gives a satisfying vape. Some vapers even make it down to a zero-nicotine e-juice when fully adapting to vaping.

As the name implies, 0mg vape juice has no nicotine. This solution is great for vapers who appreciate vaping but no longer want the stimulating effects of nicotine. Whether you've never smoked before or have successfully quit, 0mg vape juice offers a means to enjoy tastes and the vaping experience without the addictive substance.

Advantages of 0mg Vape Juice

Lessened Dependency: By selecting 0mg vape juice, users can progressively lessen their reliance on nicotine over time, facilitating the transition to a nicotine-free lifestyle.

Flavour Exploration: Without nicotine's numbing effects, vaping lovers may fully enjoy the complex flavours and nuanced characteristics of e-liquids, providing a more genuine taste experience.

Does Vape Juice With No Nicotine Taste Better?

Vape juices come in various flavours to suit various tastes and preferences. One question that frequently arises is whether nicotine-free vape juice tastes better than juice with nicotine.

To simulate smoking, nicotine, a naturally occurring compound in tobacco, is frequently added to vape liquids. But it's crucial to remember that nicotine has no flavour. Instead, because it affects the sensory receptors in the mouth and throat, it can change how one perceives flavour.

Nicotine-free vape liquids provide a pure flavour experience. The absence of nicotine lets the vaper thoroughly savour the complex undertones of their preferred flavour profile. The lack of nicotine can intensify the flavour, making for a more apparent and pleasurable vaping experience, whether it's a fruity concoction, a decadent dessert, or a cool menthol.

Furthermore, nicotine can produce a little peppery or unpleasant sensation when vaped in higher quantities. By cutting out the nicotine, vapers can prevent this potential irritation and experience smoother, more enjoyable vaping.

Ultimately, it's personal preference whether vape juice tastes better with or without nicotine. At the same time, some vapers might like the throat hit and gratification nicotine gives, while others might favour the purer flavour of vape liquids without nicotine. Personal preference and the vaping experience one wants to have are the deciding factors.

For several reasons, a vape sans nicotine can be a good choice. By choosing nicotine-free vaping, you put your health and well-being first by eliminating nicotine's addictive qualities. It gives you total control over the customisation and flavour exploration of your vaping experience.

Wellness and Good Health:

Your health is one of the main reasons for selecting a vape sans nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical in many e-liquids and conventional cigarettes. You may avoid nicotine's addictive qualities and lower your risk of dependency by removing it from your vaping experience. You can enjoy the act of vaping while reducing the potential adverse health effects linked to nicotine usage by vaping without nicotine.

Control and Customisation

Vaping devices let you adjust many features, including flavour, vapour output, and throat hit. Without the distraction of nicotine, you can concentrate on discovering and savouring various e-liquid flavours. This ability to try new things makes vaping more satisfying and enjoyable overall.

Social and Recreational

Vaping has a social and recreational component for some people, who use it for more reasons than just quitting smoking or finding a different way to get their nicotine fix. By selecting a vape sans nicotine, you can participate in the vaping culture without worrying about the possible adverse effects of nicotine addiction. Without the addictive element, it enables you to interact with other vapers, exchange experiences, and enjoy the sensory components of vaping, such as the flavours and scents.

Reduced Withdrawal Symptoms

A nicotine-free vape can be an excellent substitute for a former smoker who has successfully stopped nicotine but still misses the habitual smoking behaviour. Without re-introducing nicotine into your system, it can assist you in sating your mouth fixation and smoking-related muscle memory. A nicotine-free vape can ease the transition from regular cigarettes and lessen withdrawal symptoms by simulating the physical experience of smoking.

Cost-Effectiveness

Nicotine-free vaping has several cost advantages. E-liquids without nicotine are typically less expensive than ones that do. You can save money in the long run by eliminating the need for nicotine while still enjoying vaping. Additionally, you can lessen the need for refills and increase the longevity of your vape device by diminishing or eliminating your nicotine dependence.

Flexibility in Nicotine Consumption

Choosing a vape without nicotine gives users who like the act of vaping but want to limit their nicotine consumption the freedom to change their nicotine levels as desired. Numerous e-liquids are available in various nicotine concentrations, enabling vapers to reduce their nicotine intake over time progressively. You can experiment with various nicotine levels or even transition to nicotine-free e-liquids by starting with a nicotine-free vape. This flexibility is especially useful for people who want to gradually wean themselves off nicotine or for smokers who prefer occasional or social use of the device without the addictive qualities of nicotine.

Avoiding Nicotine-Related Side Effects

Nicotine usage can result in some side effects, particularly at larger levels. Some nicotine users may also experience increased heart rate, high blood pressure, or irritation. By selecting a vape sans nicotine, you can prevent these possible adverse effects and have a smoother experience. This is especially beneficial for those sensitive to nicotine or with underlying medical issues that nicotine use could make worse. By vaping without nicotine, you can enjoy certain features without worrying about how they might affect your physical health.

Zero-nicotine vapers appear to be a healthier alternative for folks trying to quit smoking or reduce their nicotine consumption because they don't contain nicotine. Nevertheless, despite their allure, it's critical to consider any potential risks connected to using nicotine-free vapes.

Ineffective Replacement For Nicotine

People frequently use nicotine-free vapes to wean themselves off their dependence on nicotine. However, since these products lack nicotine, some people used to higher nicotine levels may find their cravings not sufficiently satisfied. As a result, people might find it difficult to stop using conventional tobacco products, resulting in continued nicotine dependence.

Amplification of Behavioural Patterns

Nicotine addiction is directly related to behavioural patterns and routines, not just the chemical substance. Utilising nicotine-free vapes could perpetuate or reinforce these behaviours, making it more difficult to escape the cycle of addiction. Continuing the habitual hand-to-mouth motion and the social features of smoking can impede the progress of people trying to quit.

Starting Point for Nicotine Addiction

Ironically, nicotine-free vapes might not be a way out of nicotine addiction, so much as a stepping stone to it. Many people begin using nicotine-free vapes to quit smoking eventually. Vaping can, however, normalise and desensitise people to the activity, making it simpler for them to switch back to nicotine-containing products in the future.

Long-Term Effects Not Known

Although nicotine-free e-cigarettes are typically considered safer than traditional cigarettes, their long-term effects are less known. Formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde are the other potentially hazardous compounds frequently present in the e-liquids used in vaping devices. Even without nicotine, continued use of these substances may endanger respiratory health and cause lung-related problems.

Insufficient Regulation

Since the vaping sector is still relatively new, laws governing nicotine-free products must frequently be updated. Because of this, there may be wide variations in product quality and safety requirements, raising questions about these devices' consistency and dependability. Users could unintentionally expose themselves to inferior or potentially harmful vaping goods without adequate supervision.

Quitting smoking is a significant accomplishment, but the journey towards a smoke-free life doesn't end with stubbing out that last cigarette. Staying smoke-free requires dedication, perseverance, and the implementation of effective relapse-prevention strategies. Understanding the challenges that may trigger a relapse and having a well-thought-out plan to counter them is crucial in ensuring a successful, long-term, smoke-free lifestyle.

Identify Triggers And Coping Mechanisms:

To maintain a smoke-free life, it's essential to identify the triggers that may tempt you to reach for a cigarette. Common triggers include stress, social situations, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environments associated with smoking. Once you've identified these triggers, develop coping mechanisms to handle them effectively. Stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercise, or deep breathing can help counter stress-related cravings. Informing friends and family about your decision to quit can create a supportive network to lean on during social gatherings or challenging situations.

Establish Healthy Habits:

Replacing smoking with healthy habits can greatly contribute to your success in staying smoke-free. Adopting a regular exercise routine reduces cravings and improves overall well-being. Additionally, focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as proper nutrition is crucial in managing withdrawal symptoms. Adequate sleep is equally important, as tiredness can weaken your resolve to remain smoke-free.

Develop Alternative Coping Strategies:

It's essential to have alternative coping strategies for dealing with stress, boredom, or emotions that used to trigger smoking. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or participating in support groups can help occupy your mind positively and prevent a relapse. Finding creative outlets or pursuing new interests can be a healthy distraction during challenging times.

Learn from Relapses:

Despite your best efforts, relapses can still occur. It's crucial to view these setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Analyse the situation leading to the relapse and identify what triggered it. Use this knowledge to strengthen your relapse prevention strategies and reinforce your commitment to a smoke-free life.

Public Health England has been keen to advocate using e-cigarettes to help individuals quit smoking for good, reporting that they are at least 95% less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. Vaping is the cleaner, often cheaper option, allowing smokers to mimic their previous habit, moving away from smoking and across to a fun, enjoyable, yet not deadly hobby!

Using e-cigarettes as a means to quit has been successful for many people as e-liquids contain nicotine, which smokers crave when they try and give up. With vaping, however, you may gradually wean yourself off nicotine if this is an issue for you by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine in your e-cig until you are down to zero nicotine e-liquids.

It’s no surprise that we recommend vaping as an efficient tool for smoking cessation, but if you’re ready to ditch smoking/vaping altogether, there are other methods you can try. Each method works differently, and what works best can vary from person to person. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular smoking cessation tools and how they work.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT aims to ease withdrawal symptoms by providing a lower dose of nicotine compared to cigarettes, without the harmful tar and chemicals found in smoke. It comes in various forms:

1. Nicotine Patches: These are adhesive patches that you apply to your skin. They release a steady dose of nicotine throughout the day to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patches are available in different strengths, allowing users to gradually step down their nicotine intake over time.
2. Nicotine Gum: Chewing nicotine gum releases nicotine into your mouth, which is then absorbed through the lining of your mouth. It’s an on-demand form of NRT that users can chew whenever they feel a craving. This flexibility helps to address sudden urges.
3. Nicotine Lozenges: Similar to gum, lozenges are placed in the mouth and dissolve slowly, releasing nicotine that is absorbed through the oral mucosa. They can also be used on demand and can be particularly useful for those who prefer not to chew gum.
4. Nicotine Inhalers: These devices deliver a vapourised form of nicotine that you inhale into your mouth and then absorb through the mucous membranes. Like vapes, inhalers can help satisfy the hand-to-mouth habit that many smokers miss, in addition to providing nicotine.
5. Nicotine Nasal Spray: Nicotine nasal spray delivers a quick dose of nicotine through the nasal membranes, providing rapid relief from cravings.

Alongside NRT, there are other more holistic methods that can prove successful when quitting smoking; these include;

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy involves working with a counsellor or therapist to develop strategies for quitting smoking. This can include identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and building a support network. Behavioural therapy can be done individually, in a group setting, or even via telephone or online platforms.

Combination Therapy

For many, using a combination of NRT and medication can be more effective than using one method alone. For instance, pairing nicotine patches (for steady nicotine levels) with gum or lozenges (for on-demand cravings) provides a comprehensive approach to managing withdrawal symptoms.

Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy

Though evidence is limited, some individuals find alternative therapies such as acupuncture or hypnotherapy effective in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These methods focus on reducing stress and changing the psychological aspects of nicotine addiction.

Support Groups and Apps

Support groups, whether in person or online, provide a community of individuals who are also working to quit smoking. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes can offer valuable emotional support. Additionally, there are numerous apps and an NHS website designed to help with quitting smoking,

Few things will make someone less likely to quit than being hounded by a non-smoker to do the same. Don’t try and push people into quitting smoking/switching to vaping, yet be encouraging. Share blog posts such as these and help dispel the myths around vaping. If giving up smoking yourself is the one thing for you, then helping others could also help you as it removes the likelihood of passive smoking and the strain on the NHS.