How to Quit Nicotine Through Vaping

Almost every vaping company worldwide has nicotine-free vape juice. And there’s a good reason for this: there’s a massive demand for nicotine-free e-liquid because it can help people quit smoking. Unfortunately, millions of Americans smoke tobacco because they’re addicted to nicotine—and nicotine addiction causes millions of deaths worldwide. 

Without nicotine, you’re not vaping to satisfy a need, resulting in better overall health. For many people, this is one of the last stages of the vaping journey. In this article, we’ll show you how to end your nicotine addiction through vaping. It’s straightforward and cost-effective. 

Understanding Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine addiction is a serious issue for millions of Americans, and it’s a hard addiction to break. Your body absorbs nicotine into your bloodstream before heading to your adrenal glands above your kidneys. 

The glands release adrenaline, thus boosting your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. As a result, nicotine gives you many excellent feelings at once, and that’s why scientists consider it a drug. 

1. The Symptoms of Nicotine Addiction

• You can’t stop smoking 
• When you try to stop smoking, you suffer from withdrawal symptoms 
• You continue to smoke despite having health problems 
• You refrain from social activities 

2. Factors That Contribute to Nicotine Addiction 

• Emotional triggers – you may want to consume nicotine when triggered by specific emotional situations.
• Situational triggers – being in certain places with specific friends who smoke tobacco could contribute to nicotine addiction. 
• Genetics – scientists suggest genetics may play a role in nicotine addiction. 

Vaping as a Nicotine Replacement Therapy

How Vaping Can Help With Nicotine Withdrawal

If you’re considering using e-liquids to help you quit smoking—you’ve chosen a great idea. You can control how much nicotine you have in your E-liquid, which is fantastic for reducing your nicotine intake gradually. Likewise, you can choose nicotine-free e-liquids to prevent any nicotine consumption. 

Many smokers use vaping devices to quit smoking because the hand-to-mouth action is similar to using cigarettes, and you’ll feel similar sensations like a throat hit. However, it’s important to stop smoking to enjoy the full benefits of vaping. Some people switch very quickly, but it can take far longer. 

Want to know what it’s like to quit smoking and start vaping? We’ve got you covered in our article What to Expect When You Quit Smoking & Start Vaping?

Types of Vaping Devices and E-Liquids Available

There are many vaping devices you can use to quit smoking. These include:

• Vape bars – Vape bars look like a highlighter pen. They are usually disposable, but can sometimes be rechargeable and refillable with e-liquid. 
• Compact pod devices – Compact pod devices are shaped like a flash drive or a pebble. They’re typically rechargeable and refillable with e-liquid. 
• Vape pens with a tank – You can fill vape pens with your choice of e-liquid. They often have a rechargeable battery and replaceable coils. 
• Cigalikes – Cigalikes look like cigarettes, and they’re either disposable, rechargeable or refillable with e-liquid. 
• Vape Mods (Customizable devices) – Although they’re more challenging to use, vape mods or customizable devices with variable power are a great option.

Safety Precautions When Vaping

Although vaping is often a safer alternative to smoking, there are some safety precautions you must follow to avoid damaging your device, such as:

• Don’t overcharge your batteries 
• Avoid extreme temperatures or light extremes 
• Use main adaptors to charge your vaping device 
• Turn off your vaping device when you’re not using 
• Only use charging equipment designed for your battery 
• Not vaping too often 
• Choosing the right temperature 

Developing a Quit Plan

1. Set a Quit Date 

Some smokers prefer to quit all nicotine straight away. However, others prefer to pace themselves. The best way to quit smoking is to set a quit date. You should look at your calendar and have a strategy for stopping. Furthermore, consider quitting on a day when you don’t have many temptations—such as a party or holiday. 

2. Identify Your Triggers and Develop Coping Mechanisms

A good way to quit smoking is to know your triggers. What makes you crave nicotine? Here’s a good rule of thumb: always write notes whenever you feel the urge to smoke. The notes could include the time, date, and how you felt. As a result, you’ll gradually learn your triggers and what makes you smoke. 

3. Finding Support From Friends and Family or Professional Help

There’s no shame in saying it: quitting nicotine can be challenging. You may feel anxious and depressed without cigarettes. In most cases, these irritating side effects will subside after a few days. But the best way to get through any adverse side effects is through help from family, friends, or professionals. In addition, professionals can assess your situation and give you a plan of action to help you quit. 

Gradually Reducing Nicotine Intake 

1. Start With High Nicotine E-Liquids and Gradually Decrease the Nicotine Strength

Although you might feel tempted to quit smoking instantly—and it’s great if you can—you’re better off starting slow. You can do this by starting with high-nicotine e-liquids and reducing your intake as you go. Most vaping companies will give you various strength options. 

The highest nicotine strength—not including nicotine salts—is 24mg. However, you can drop it down to 18mg, 12mg, 6mg, and 3mg. Then, you can choose nicotine-free e-liquids. Another option is to mix the two. For example, you can fill half your tank with 12mg and half with 6mg to make a 9mg nicotine level. As you gradually decrease your intake, you’ll notice you don’t require as many puffs to achieve your preferred effect.

2. Use Nicotine-Free Vape Products (Zero-Nicotine Disposables)

Another option is to use nicotine-free vape products, such as zero-nicotine disposables. However, you may experience stronger side effects if you jump straight from smoking nicotine to nicotine-free vape products. There are many benefits to using nicotine-free vape products: they aren’t addictive, they can satisfy a sweet tooth, they’re smoother, and they’re often highly affordable. 

Concerned about the safety of vaping without nicotine? Check out our article on ‘Is Vaping Without Nicotine Safe‘ for an in-depth breakdown.

3. Finding Alternative Activities to Smoking/Vaping

One of the best ways to stay away from nicotine is to partake in other activities. These may include calling a friend, playing with your cat, doing a crossword puzzle, taking a relaxing bath, having a manicure, keeping your hands busy, and working out. 

Staying Nicotine-Free

1. Manage Your Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms 

If you’re quitting nicotine, it’s essential to build new habits to overcome the initial withdrawal symptoms. First, you must learn to manage your cravings.

Here are some methods to manage them:

• Review your reasons – when the going becomes tough, remind yourself about the reasons you quit. This can act as a powerful motivator to keep you smoke-free. 
• Calculate your savings – Smoking cigarettes can be highly expensive. Vaping, however, is often far more affordable. Figuring out the financial damage of quitting smoking is an excellent way to help you dodge your cravings. 
• Keep busy – A great way to overcome cravings and withdrawal symptoms is by staying busy. You can do this by working out, getting a new job, starting a business, etc. 
• Take deep breaths – Avoiding your cravings can cause painful anxiety at times. You can reduce anxiety, however, by taking deep breaths and meditating. 
• Work out – The simple act of walking or jogging can give you an energy boost, resulting in fewer cravings. 
• Visit smoke-free zones – Most public places don’t allow smoking in North America. If you’re craving nicotine, it’s a wise idea to visit a place where you can’t smoke. 

Staying Motivated and Avoiding Relapse

An excellent way to stay motivated and avoid relapse is by changing your habits. However, here are 5 ways to avoid relapse:

1. Consider Staying on Medication 

If you’re taking medication to prevent relapse, you should consider taking that medication for up to 6 months. Ex-smokers who continue their medication after quitting nicotine are less likely to relapse. 

There are three types of medication for nicotine withdrawal: nicotine replacement, Wellbutrin, and Chantix. You could use a combination of the three if you’re not seeing improvements. 

2. Continue a Smoking Cessation Program 

A smoking cessation program can also benefit ex-smokers. There are many smoking cessation programs around the United States, and some insurance companies will cover your costs. 

3. Recognize High-Risk Situations 

When you’re around high-risk situations—such as social situations with other smokers—you run the risk of relapsing. If you know your high-risk situations, you can avoid them before getting into them. 

4. Prepare Yourself for Distractions 

You will go through cravings at times, regardless of how much you want to quit nicotine. However, if you keep your mind, mouth, and hands busy, your cravings will go away faster. 

Here are some ways you can take your attention away from cravings:

• Take deep breaths 
• Reach for gum or candy 
• Count to 10 
• Call friends and family 
• Get on your computer 
• Watch TV
• Do something creative
• Complete some housework 

The Long-Term Benefits of Quitting Nicotine 

There are so many health benefits to quitting nicotine that will boost your physical and mental well-being.

Here are some of the main benefits:

• Reduces the risk of disease and death from cardiovascular disease
• Decreases inflammation markers 
• Reduces the risk of strokes 
• Decreases the risk of developing COPD
• Reduces respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing
• Improves overall lung function 
• Reduces the risk of 12 cancers 

Here are some benefits depending on how long you’ve quit nicotine: 

• Your heart rate will decrease within minutes 
• Your nicotine levels in the blood drop to zero within 24 hours 
• After several days, your carbon monoxide levels decrease 
• Your level of coughing and shortness of breath will drop after 12 months 
• After 1 to 2 years, your risk of heart attack significantly drops 
• Your risk of certain cancers, including mouth, throat, and voicebox, drops by half
• Your risk of strokes decreases after 5 to 10 years 
• After ten years, your risk of lung cancer drops by half 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion 

Although quitting nicotine can be highly challenging, you can make the process easier by staying motivated and learning how to manage your cravings. Staying motivated is easy if you remind yourself of why you started, have a strategy, and use the help of family or friends. Likewise, you can manage your cravings by staying busy, building new habits, and working out. 

Always remember the immense benefits of quitting nicotine when you feel the urge to smoke. It can decrease your risk of many sometimes fatal illnesses. You’ll also boost your fitness and overall mental health. 

Always seek help if you’re struggling to quit smoking. Vaping is a great place to start when quitting smoking—but professional help can truly stop you from relapsing.