As an ex-smoker myself, I am always looking for ways to help others let go that dangerous habit. The popular e-cigarettes, or vaporizers (“vapes”) seem like a great step toward quitting, but a recent study by the University of California San Francisco’s Center for Tobacco Control Research found that vaping is not as innocent as previously touted, and can actually increase a smoker’s failure to quit by as much as 28%; an effect that is the exact opposite of the intention.
The reasons are multiple, but basically is it the “dual use effect” that drives smokers back to cigarettes: the simulation of the smoking habit reinforces the hand to mouth motion. Further, the amount of nicotine in most vapes is around 20% of that in regular American cigarettes. This keeps vapers vaping more and more, feeling frustrated more and more, and ultimately saying “F- it” and resuming smoking cigarettes.
Of course other studies show that vaping is much “healthier” than cigarettes, which typically are comprised of over 5,000 toxins now. However, many of these studies are conducted by, and for the benefit of, the vaping industry.
While vapes have no fire, or ash, or smoke, they do typically include 4-5 ingredients, like propylene glycol, distilled water and flavorings in addition to nicotine. These are heated and vaporized, creating an “e-liquid” in a battery-powered atomizer. The flavorings vary, but blueberry cheesecake and vanilla custard are some of the trendiest. The CDC reports that some e-cigarettes contain formaldehyde, which normal cigarettes d0, as well as other lung irritants, including the flavorings.
If e-cigarettes help you transition from cigarettes to vaping or to becoming a complete non-smoker, hallelujah. I always say “There is no bad way to quit smoking.” Please know, however, that taking propylene glycol, water, and other flavors into your lungs ain’t exactly healthy. The lungs are built inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Anything else you ask of them is excessive. Would you ever ask your digestive system to process sawdust? Or aluminum?
Remember: you were born a non-smoker, and you can shift your mindset back to that state with self-hypnosis, or clinical hypnotherapy. Google a certified hypnotherapist in your and shop around to see who fits you best.