Many people are making the switch from smoking to vaping each year, and while the exact figures on how many people are vaping in the UK are hard to ascertain, there is data suggesting that 11% of the population vape, which is around 5.6 million adults and half of vapers are ex-smokers who swapped to help them quit smoking.
If quitting smoking is on the cards for you and you’re considering moving over to vaping, this post is going to dive into some things you need to know before you make your decision.
Healthier Not Safer
The first point to address is that while vaping is safer for you and those around you as you are not lighting the chemicals in tobacco, which is what causes damage to the lungs and your health, you are still ingesting nicotine and other chemicals used to create the vape liquids.
There are ongoing studies to determine the safety of vaping and the potential long-term damage it can cause, such as ‘vape lung‘, a condition associated with vaping that can cause severe respiratory issues. It’s crucial to understand that while vaping can be a healthier alternative to smoking, it’s not entirely risk-free. This knowledge should instil a sense of caution and awareness in you as you consider making the switch.
Cost Effective
If you are switching to vaping for the financial aspect, it is incredibly cost-effective. Compared to smoking 10 cigarettes per day, you can save up to £2,200 per year. You will need to invest in the equipment upfront, and this might cost you more initially, but once you have found the right products for you, such as a reliable vape pen or mod and quality e-liquids, vaping is much cheaper. Whether you buy disposable or rechargeable vapes, understand the differences and costings of each to find the right option for your wallet.
Not All Liquids Are The Same
Walking into a vape shop and picking something at random is an option, but if you’re serious about switching to vaping, it’s essential to do your research. Understanding different types of vapes and nicotine strengths will empower you to make the best choices for your health and satisfaction. This proactive approach will ensure you’re in control of your vaping journey.
When choosing vape liquids, consider the ‘nicotine hit’ you prefer. This refers to the intensity of the nicotine experience. If you’re used to a milder smoking experience, start with a lower nicotine hit, such as 6mg or 9. If you’re used to a more substantial hit, look for liquids with higher nicotine content, like 12mg. In the UK, nicotine strengths range from 3mg to 18mg, with 20 mg being the maximum.
A top tip is to start with a lower nicotine amount so you don’t catch your breath and put yourself off. Stock up on liquids and see how much you initially use in the experiment to find the right nicotine strength and flavour.
Use Nicotine Products for Support
To help you successfully transition from smoking to vaping, you might find it helpful to use other nicotine-containing products to help you until you find the right combination.
This can be using patches or gum to help you in between vaping, although at first, vaping as frequently as you need to cna help you combat cravings and avoid falling back into smoking.
Talk to Others
Heading online to forums or finding articles written by people who have made the swap can help you understand what to expect and what you will experience as you switch. Some of the transitions are easier than others, and no two people are the same, But having an idea of what others have gone through and what you might face can help to prepare you so you can put measures in place to combat this happening or to lessen the impact. The more you know, the more you can do to help yourself.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but vaping can help you combat the cravings for nicotine and fulfil that action of having something in your mouth or to hold.
There is much research needed to uncover the damage vaping could do to the body. And even though you’re not burning tobacco and putting toxic chemicals into your body, you are still using chemically made provides that could be harmful.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, and the physiological effects can be more challenging than some expect. When making the switch to vaping, it’s important to be prepared. Do your research, stock up, and have different types of vapes and strengths of liquids to try. This preparation will help you transition as smoothly as possible, and it will also instil a sense of resilience in you as you face the challenges of quitting smoking.
