I remember when I first started smoking. I would steal cigarettes from my mom, who was a heavy smoker. I remember the brand was Kool and they were really strong and would make me cough even at the age of 13. By the age of 18 I was a pack a day smoker, and continued to smoked menthol cigarettes for another 38 years. By the end of that time I was coughing constantly and could barely breathe. I had to sleep sitting up because laying down would make me feel like I was suffocating. I knew I had to do something. I was smoking 2 packs a day, sometimes more if I was feeling stressed out.
In December of 2013, I moved halfway across the country, into an apartment that was smoke-free but allowed vaping. I knew I needed to quit so I purposely chose a smoke free community to live in. I tried my first vape, a small pen like device that completely changed my world. The very first time I vaped was the last day I picked up a cigarette. I was and honestly still am amazed. I had never even tried to quit before. I was as dependent on tobacco as one is to air or water or so I thought.
December 28, 2013 is the last day I smoked a cigarette. I still vape, and don’t have plans to stop any time soon. I think after 38 years, it’s more of a reflex thing for me. It’s comforting and I feel so much healthier that quitting vaping isn’t a concern. I vape a blend of tobaccos (non menthol) with a bit of caramel flavoring. I use a box mod now, but I’m strictly mouth to lung. In the last 4.5 years, my health has improved dramatically I hardly ever cough, usually only if I’m sick now. I can sleep laying down again! That was such a big issue and now no worries. My breathing is strong and my lungs are clear. Stairs don’t leave me gasping for breath any longer and my blood circulation is much improved.
For me vaping was the best and most surprisingly fast way of stopping that nasty 38 year habit. Vaping is for sure the way to quit if you’ve tried everything else.
