If you are thinking about switching from tobacco cigarette smoking to vaping or have already switched over but feel you’ve more to learn about vaping, this is the blog post for you.

What’s the Difference Between Smoking and Vaping?

Smoking and vaping are very different. Yes, it may look the same, but there are fundamental differences. They impact health.

Smoking Causes Cancer: This is a biggie and not one to ignore. WHO (the World Health Organisation) have classified some ingredients in tobacco cigarettes as toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Numerous studies back up these findings. Smoking causes a great number of health issues.

Vaping is 95% Less Harmful Than Tobacco Cigarettes: Public Health England, the government group responsible for the smoke-free ban, which went live in 2007, are keen advocates for the use of e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking. PHE has publically supported vaping, stating that it is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. They even listed e-cigarettes as a valid method of quitting smoking in their 2017 Stoptober materials.

They Both Contain Nicotine

Both tobacco cigarettes and e-liquids (heated to produce a flavoured vapour) contain nicotine.

Or do they? As far as we know, there is no such thing as a nicotine-free tobacco cigarette.

There are, however, nicotine-free or zero-nicotine e-liquids. With vaping, you may choose from several nicotine strengths to customise your vape to your individual needs and to taper off and reduce your nicotine intake if wished.

Vaping is More Affordable

Another key difference is that vaping costs significantly less than smoking over time. Yes, the start-up costs are slightly higher than buying a lighter or matching any cigarettes; however, once you’ve lit a cigarette, it’s gone. With an e-cigarette, you get used after use after use from it.

Hopefully, that will have cleared up some confusion between tobacco cigarette smoking and vaping so you can concentrate on getting the most out of your new hobby.

Top Tips For Vaping Beginners

Start with Beginner-Friendly Vaping Devices.

Starting with beginner-friendly vaping devices can simplify your transition and ensure a smooth experience.

Simplicity and Ease of Use:

For beginners, look for user-friendly vaping devices that don’t require intricate setups or extensive knowledge. Pod systems and all-in-one (AIO) devices are:

• Excellent options.
• Featuring a straightforward design with minimal buttons and settings.
• Making them intuitive and hassle-free for beginners.

Compact and Portable:

Portability is another essential factor for beginners. Opt for compact and discreet vaping devices that are easy to carry around. Pod systems and AIO devices often excel, offering a compact form factor without compromising performance or battery life.

Battery Life and Charging:

Consider the device's battery life and charging options to ensure uninterrupted vaping. Look for devices with a decent battery capacity that can last throughout the day without frequent recharging. USB charging compatibility is advantageous since it allows you to conveniently charge your device using a computer, power bank, or wall adapter.

Nicotine Strength and Pod/Cartridge Options:

As a beginner, finding the right nicotine strength is essential for a satisfying vaping experience. Look for devices offering a range of nicotine options to cater to your needs. Additionally, check the availability and variety of compatible pods or cartridges. Access to a wide selection of flavours and nicotine strengths allows you to experiment and find your preferred vape.

Safety Features:

Prioritise your safety by choosing devices with built-in safety features. Look for short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, and automatic cutoff timers to prevent any potential accidents or damage.

Don’t Expect Vaping to Be Smoking

We’ve already covered the basic differences, yet we hear from new vapers that they still thought vaping would be like smoking. It’s not, namely because it’s not the same thing. They are so many differences, not least the fact that one produces a flavoured vapour and the other smoke from burning tobacco and more.

It will take a little while to get into your groove, enjoy a draw rather than a drag, get used to different tastes, and so on. Some new vapers have said that the weirdest thing is that they found themselves vaping less than they smoked.

When smoking, you keep going until your cigarette is finished. With vaping, you take a draw. Be mindful that switching to vaping won’t be the same experience.

Start Slowly: Gradually Increase Your Vaping Experience

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking, offering a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths to suit individual preferences. However, it is important for those new to vaping to approach it cautiously and start slowly. By gradually increasing your vaping experience, you can ensure a smooth transition and make informed decisions.

Venturing into the vaping world requires a cautious and gradual approach to ensure a smooth transition and informed decision-making. In this section, we will delve into crucial information that vapers should know as they embark on their vaping journey, providing them with a foundation to build upon and explore at their own pace.

Understanding the Fundamentals:

Before immersing yourself in the vaping experience, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals. Start by selecting a device that aligns with your preferences. For instance, beginner-friendly vape pens offer simplicity and ease of use, while advanced box mods provide customisation options. Take the time to research and explore various devices, weighing their features and benefits.

Nicotine Strength Considerations:

A vital aspect of vaping is determining the appropriate nicotine strength for your needs. E-liquids are available in various nicotine levels, from high to zero nicotine options. Starting with lower nicotine concentrations as a beginner ensures a comfortable experience without potential discomfort. Gradually adjusting the nicotine strength allows you to find the perfect balance that suits your preferences.

Choosing Flavorful E-Liquids:

E-liquids offer diverse flavours, opening up a world of possibilities. Experimentation with different flavours can be an exciting part of the vaping journey. However, opting for reputable brands and high-quality e-liquids that adhere to safety standards is crucial. Seek reviews and recommendations from fellow vapers to discover flavours that suit your taste buds and enhance your vaping experience.

Mastering Vaping Techniques:

Acquiring the proper vaping techniques is crucial for safety and enjoyment. Start by taking gentle, short puffs, allowing the vapour to linger in your mouth before inhaling. This mouth-to-lung (MTL) technique emulates the sensation of traditional smoking. As you become more comfortable, explore direct-lung (DL) vaping, which involves inhaling the vapour directly into your lungs. You can enhance flavour delivery and avoid potential discomfort by practising and refining these techniques.

Maintenance and Safety Guidelines:

To ensure a consistently enjoyable vaping experience, prioritise regular device maintenance and safety practices. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for guidance on cleaning and caring for your specific device. Additionally, always use recommended batteries, chargers, and accessories to guarantee safety. Educate yourself on battery safety measures, such as avoiding overcharging and employing proper storage methods.

Start with Lower Nicotine Levels and Adjust as Needed

Choosing the appropriate nicotine level depends on various factors, including the individual's smoking habits and nicotine tolerance. Typically, e-cigarettes or vaping devices offer nicotine e-liquids in several strengths, ranging from high to low. Smokers should begin with a nicotine level that matches the amount they were accustomed to in traditional cigarettes. For example, heavy smokers may opt for higher nicotine concentrations, while light smokers may start with lower levels.

Once an initial nicotine strength is selected, it's important to consider how it affects the individual. If cravings persist or severe withdrawal symptoms, a slight adjustment to a higher nicotine level may be necessary. On the other hand, if the initial strength seems too strong or causes adverse effects, gradually decreasing the nicotine concentration can be helpful.

Regular self-assessment is crucial throughout this process. Listening to the body and adjusting accordingly is essential, aiming to decrease nicotine levels over time. The goal is to eventually reach a point where nicotine dependence is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Don’t Go Mad

We understand. Vaping is new and exciting, and you want all things. If you want to enjoy the affordability benefits:

1. Take it steady, as it’s easy to get ahead of yourself.
2. Do experiment with flavours and try new things.
3. Work out what you like and need before going into a spending frenzy.

We’d much rather you get what you need and want as and when rather than having a huge blowout, ending up with a kit you don’t use and e liquids you don’t want, which could make you decide against vaping and push you back towards smoking.

This is the last thing we want as your decision to move over vaping was a wise one for your health especially, and that’s our main priority at Go Smoke-Free. If you want to try out new e-liquids or kits, check out our special offers first.

Plan Your Vaping Ahead

When smoking, you will have normally kept an eye on how many cigarettes you have in the packet to know when you need to pop in and get another packet. With vaping, you need to monitor your e-liquid levels.

Top up when needed (don’t let your tank run dry as otherwise you’ll be vaping a horrible burning taste) and ensure you always have at least one e-liquid in stock, more if you are a mid to heavy user.

Your battery will last to charge up before you run out. Some people keep an extra battery purely for this reason.

Proper Inhalation Techniques: Mouth-to-Lung vs. Direct-to-Lung

Two primary methods commonly used by vapers are mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) inhalation. Understanding these techniques and their differences is vital for beginners and experienced vapers. This section will explore the nuances of MTL and DTL inhalation, their contrasting characteristics, and other essential information to enhance your vaping journey.

Mouth-to-Lung Inhalation (MTL):

MTL inhalation mimics the experience of smoking traditional cigarettes. To perform MTL, draw the vapour into your mouth first, allowing it to linger briefly before inhaling it into your lungs. This technique requires a slower and gentler pull, resulting in a higher resistance draw. MTL offers a tighter airflow, creating a sensation similar to a cigarette's. It is ideal for vapers seeking a more discrete vaping experience, higher nicotine absorption, and a throat hit closely resembling smoking.

Direct-to-Lung Inhalation (DTL):

DTL inhalation, also known as lung inhale or sub-ohm vaping, is favoured by cloud chasers and experienced vapers. With DTL, inhale the vapour directly into your lungs without holding it in your mouth. This technique involves a deeper and faster draw, using devices with larger airflow and lower resistance coils. DTL provides a significantly airier and more intense vapour production, often accompanied by enhanced flavour notes. It is preferred by vapers who enjoy sub-ohm vaping, intense lung hits, and larger vapour clouds.

Differences between MTL and DTL Inhalation:

Airflow and Resistance: MTL inhalation typically utilises devices with restricted airflow and higher resistance coils, whereas DTL inhalation employs devices with wide-open airflow and lower resistance coils.

Vapour Production: MTL inhalation produces less vapour than DTL inhalation, known for its voluminous clouds.

Nicotine Absorption: MTL inhalation offers higher nicotine absorption due to the extended time the vapour stays in the mouth, whereas DTL inhalation provides lower nicotine absorption but more immediate effects.

Throat Hit: MTL inhalation provides a stronger throat hit, similar to smoking, whereas DTL inhalation tends to offer a smoother, less pronounced throat hit.

Important Considerations:

Device and Coil Selection: Choosing the right device and coil is crucial for achieving the desired inhalation technique. MTL is better suited for devices with higher resistance coils, while DTL requires lower resistance coils and devices with larger airflow.

E-Liquid Selection: The choice of e-liquid also impacts the inhalation technique. Higher nicotine strength and PG (propylene glycol) content e-liquids are preferred for MTL. In comparison, lower nicotine strength and higher VG (vegetable glycerin) content e-liquids are commonly used for DTL.

Read The Instructions

We’re not sure where this reluctance to read manufacturer instructions comes from; however, when it comes to vaping, you can’t afford to have a read.

First, it is important to know exactly how your device works. Some devices are similar, some are the same, and some are completely different, depending on the age, brand and specifications. Please read the instructions to set up your new device correctly, use it correctly and maintain it effectively.

Look After Your Battery

This is a piece of advice for new vapers that should be addressed. Know how to handle your battery to ensure you use your e-cigarette properly. E-cigarettes are powered via lithium batteries, similar to mobile phones.

Therefore, you must adhere to battery safety instructions, don’t use a battery when it has been damaged, don’t overcharge it, and ensure that you use the right battery strength for your device.

This should all be laid out in detail in your device instructions. If you are buying a replacement battery and aren’t sure whether the one you have in mind is the right one, feel free to message us, and we’ll get back to you asap.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Most new vapers start with a basic starter kit or a vape pen-style e-cigarette. There’s nothing wrong with that. Some vapers stick with their starter kit or buy a new one, and if that works for them, we say go for it.

If you want to get the most out of your vaping experience, however, don’t be afraid to try new e-liquid flavours, i.e. you don’t need to stick with tobacco flavours purely because you were a smoker, and you don’t need to stick with one type of e-cigarette device.

Part of the wonder of vaping is the variety it offers and the ability you possess to customise your vaping experience to make the most of it. Be brave!

Experimenting with Different Flavors and Finding Your Favorites

The world of e-liquid offers many options, from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruity delights and decadent desserts. However, finding an e-liquid flavour that works for you requires a bit of experimentation and exploration.

The journey to discovering your favourite e-liquid flavour begins with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Start by exploring different categories of flavours, such as fruits, desserts, beverages, or even unique blends that combine multiple taste profiles. Consider your personal preferences and what flavours you enjoy in other contexts. For instance, a fruity e-liquid might be a good place to start if you're a fan of fresh berries.

Once you've selected a few flavours, it's time to dive in and experience them firsthand. Vape shops and online retailers often offer sample packs or smaller bottles, allowing you to test multiple flavours without committing to a large quantity. Take advantage of these options and give each flavour a fair chance. Remember that taste is subjective; what works for someone else may not necessarily be your cup of tea.

When experimenting with different flavours, it's important to consider the nuances of each e-liquid. Pay attention to the flavour profile, intensity, and overall vaping experience it provides. Some e-liquids may have a bold and vibrant taste, while others might be more subtle and layered. Take note of the throat hit, vapour production, and the aftertaste. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine whether a particular flavour suits your preferences.

Feel free to mix and match flavours too. The vaping world allows endless customisation. Blending two or more e-liquids can create unique combinations. Consider experimenting with different ratios to find the perfect balance. You might discover a fusion of flavours that becomes your signature vape.

It may take time to find your favourite e-liquid flavour. Embrace the journey and enjoy the exploration. You'll better understand your preferences and refine your vaping experience.

So, go ahead and embark on the flavorful adventure that vaping offers. Explore the vast options, keep an open mind, and let your taste buds guide you. Whether you find your favourite e-liquid flavour quickly or after many delightful experiments, the journey will be delicious.

Maintenance is Key

Maintaining your car costs you less in surprise repair bills when you least expect them, and your car lasts longer. The same applies to your e-cigarette. Follow the maintenance instructions that come with your e-cigarettes and read the maintenance-related blog posts on the site to create a maintenance schedule that sees you periodically clean your tank. If you look after your device, it’ll look after you.

There are so many vaping for beginners articles out there. However, we wanted to keep this fresh and stick to the most important points. If you have any questions about vaping, search the blog first and then feel free to contact us if you have any product or maintenance enquiries we may help with. Here’s to enjoying vaping to the fullest!

Top Tips For Pro Vapers

Don’t Buy Nasty E Liquids.

This is the best piece of advice that we can offer. Bulk buying no-label e-liquid from abroad or on an auction site (or worse, an unknown geezer on Facebook) is unlikely to result in a good vape. These are rubbish quality, could be mixed with all sorts of rubbish and are illegal. They won’t hold up to quality standards or adhere to TPD regulations.

We understand that you want to get the most out of your money regarding e-liquid buying. We offer high-quality, affordable e-liquids, some bundles, and special offers regularly updated. We can’t match “This just happened to fall off the back of a lorry” prices, but our e-liquids offer a fabulous vaping experience and are the real deal.

Understand the PG and VG Differences.

This tip is an article all of its own. E-liquid bases usually comprise a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin mixture. What makes all the difference is the ratio. High VG e-liquids tend to be great for those chasing big vape clouds, and PG is better known for offering a throat hit more like tobacco cigarettes, which may ease the way for smokers who have switched over.

Read the linked article and decide which is the best ratio or combo. It’s an individual choice thing. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to experiment with both.

Be Prepared

It doesn’t matter whether you were in the scouts or not as a child. When you vape, you need to be prepared. With smoking, you can pop into the local shop and grab a packet of cigarettes when required (convenient but still incredibly harmful to health). Vaping takes more prep and some planning, but it is worth it.

Be prepared by ensuring you have a safe/decent way to carry your vaping supplies when away from home. Don’t have vials of e-liquid and spare batteries jingling about in your bag or pocket, and it won’t end well.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on your e-liquid stock. If you vape one flavour or a few flavours regularly, you must ensure that you order more before running out to avoid delay and disappointment.

Also, make sure you have an in-car charger for on-the-go power-ups if you travel a lot, invest in a second battery for your device so you always have one charged up and ready to go when the one you are using runs out. It’s just good common sense and planning.

Tanks and Strong E Liquids

If using a plastic tank, you need to be careful of strong e-liquids, including cinnamon, citrus, anything acidic and more, as they taint the plastic and may cause fogging (which means you can’t see what’s going on with your e-liquid inside) and may even weaken the tank to the point of cracking.

We’d recommend looking at glass or Pyrex glass tanks to ensure you get the very best vape and don’t have to avoid using your favourite flavours in case of plastic tank damage and the mess that comes with it.

Steeping

Many advanced vapers do steeping, and they have found it to boost flavours, making them stronger or richer. This works particularly well for those e liquids you’ve found weaker than you may have liked or a little stale tasting.

This piece about steeping offers more in-depth information on how to get started.

Duplicate Tanks

It may be worth investing in an additional tank if you regularly vape more than one flavour consistently. This is particularly useful if the flavours you vape are particularly strong as it avoids your tank being tainted by one flavour, otherwise known as ghosting. Switching tanks for regular flavours also reduces maintenance/washing out on top of your usual maintenance routine.

Be Travel Aware

Vaping has become increasingly popular worldwide, especially as more and more evidence has come to light supporting it (as Public Health England does) as being at LEAST 95% less harmful than tobacco cigarettes.

That said, not all countries are as open to e-cigarettes and vaping and, therefore, may have vaping bans in place, whether in public or at all. Similarly, ensure you speak to your airline if travelling abroad about the best way to pack your vaping supplies to avoid getting into trouble at security and having to repack.

With vaping being so well known and commonly seen, it is rarely a problem; however, be aware of what you may travel with and how items must be contained.

Mix Your Flavours Up

Some of you may have heard of Vaper’s Tongue. This isn’t anything to worry about. It refers to not tasting a flavour as pungently as before because you’ve vaped it so much. Some say it occurs because your taste buds have become too used to a flavour to get excited by it anymore. Drinking plenty of water and taking a short break from that flavour should help you return on the right track.

Battery Build-Ups

You will already be well-versed in basic battery care. Is it important to check your device battery connections for e-liquid build-ups? Dealing with this is easy enough. Unscrew your e-cigarette per manufacturer instructions, check visually, and gently wipe (gently) with a non-abrasive cloth or cotton bud. Ensure the threads are clean, and then reconnect your device properly.

Doing this as a part of your regular maintenance routine is good practice.

Tips For Getting Better Flavours When Vaping

E Liquids are not created equally. Two brands might have similar ingredients and yet be very different. Why is that?

The truth is, it comes down to quality. We can throw cheap and cheerful ingredients with flavourings and produce an e-liquid. It wouldn’t be a particularly good e-liquid, but it would be one. We could buy from a reputable retailer that uses the highest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, cutting-edge production processes and expertly skilled flavour mixologists instead. Which e-liquid is going to satisfy your need for a quality vape?

Choose brands you can trust to offer you quality e-juice.

Choose PG E Liquids

Your e-liquid base is usually made up of a VG/PG mix (usually). Some favour high VG e liquids; we must admit they pack a punch in the vape cloud department. However, VG e-liquids often carry an ever-so-slight sweet undertone with them, which must affect how your e-liquid tastes, even if only a little.

VG also doesn’t carry flavour quite as well as PG. Experiment a little, as you don’t have to choose a straight-up PG base, but more PG and less VG could make quite a difference.

Alter Your Temperature and Wattage Setting

Once you’ve moved past the basic plug-and-play e-cigarette starter kit, you may choose something that offers a more customisable vape, allowing you to adjust the wattage and temperature it’s operating at. This is important because when using an e-liquid with various flavour strands. So on, often different “parts” of the e-liquid and the flavourings are activated at different temperatures. Experimenting with your settings lets you get the best of whatever e-liquid you load up.

Start with a lower wattage/temperature and gradually increase until you find the sweet spot you want.

Restrict Airflow

WHAT? Everything you’ve read before will likely have told you to open up the adjustable airflow on your e-cigarette, as this offers you better vape clouds. As fabulous as a flavoursome big vape cloud is, it might not be what you’re looking for.

If maximising the flavour enjoyment is the top priority closing off the airflow would be the better approach. This works so well because by doing so, you produce a warmer, thicker vapour and enhanced flavour.

A word of caution, though, don’t be tempted to close it off completely; otherwise, you’ll potentially move further from your goal and end up with a harsh, not-so-wonderful-tasting vape. Experiment a little!

Choose The Device That Works For You

We already know that you need top-quality e-liquids with airflow control and that temperature and wattage control is advantageous. You also need to think carefully about the atomiser you choose to use. Top coil atomisers, for example, used to be the Bee’s Knees; however, after much testing, many realise that bottom-coil atomisers are more efficient and generally offer you more.

If you want to risk, consider sub-ohm vaping. This enables you to ramp up the flavour production from your favourite e-juice.

Positive Media Attention For Vaping

One of the most difficult and frustrating things for the vaping community is that official bodies have recently been reluctant to recognise vaping officials as the beneficial alternative to tobacco smoking. Thankfully, however, this seems to be changing, and in England, at least, Public Health England seems to be leading the charge.

Public Health England is the government group who were responsible for the implementation of the 2007 Go Smoke-Free legislation, which saw smoking in a great number of public places banned. This included pubs and restaurants, public buildings, workplaces, public transport and many more. This has had a significant knock-on effect on attitudes towards smoking, and of course, the number of adults choosing to smoke has declined in the years since.

As expected, Public Health England (PHE) is staunchly anti-smoking and focused on reducing harm. With this in mind, it is heartening to see PHE publicly advocate for using e-cigarettes as a cessation device, urging the government to greenlight it and the NHS to adopt it. PHE even included e-cigarettes in their last Stoptober campaign materials.

PHE’s stance is important as it is one that the health communities at home and abroad listen to. Read more about PHE and vaping here.

Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK are world famous for its work in research, harm reduction, support, and doing whatever is necessary to do away with the cancer monster. Cancer Research UK has been quoted as supporting vaping as a valid and healthier alternative to vaping for some time.

Cancer Research UK recently proclaimed that “Research shows vaping is far less harmful than smoking” as part of a pilot public health campaign focused on the Greater Manchester area. It is a sensible place to start this as Greater Manchester has a higher-than-average smoking rate than the rest of England, and its Mayor, Andy Burnham, is working to fix that.

The campaign advocates for using e-cigarettes instead of tobacco cigarettes, and the message may be seen on phone booths, public transport, billboards, bus tops and many more places.

This pilot scheme runs until the 18th of February initially; however, it’s safe to say that it will be noticed and is unlikely to be the last campaign of its type. It’s great to see big names in harm reduction backing vaping up, especially as the public is bound to see that an organisation such as Cancer Research UK bases such campaigns on reams of scientific data and verifiable research.

Vaping Vouchers from the NHS

The Hampshire NHS Trust has launched a scheme alongside its stop-smoking clinics and support groups, which allows smokers serious about giving up their harmful habit to receive a one-time only £25 voucher which may be spent in a limited number of local vaping shops.

This voucher is for a basic e-cigarette vaping starter kit and is aimed at helping people get started with vaping where other methods have been unable to help individuals give up smoking for good.

Voucher-holders can ask authorised retailers questions about vaping they may need to learn how to get answered otherwise.

This also means that smokers will be encouraged to move from vaping to smoking, giving up tobacco smoking altogether and enjoying the benefits of an enjoyable hobby, eliminating smoking-related cravings. It is cheaper long-term and is 95% healthier than smoking.

These are just a few examples of positive vaping coverage in the media, and here at Go Smoke-Free, we are pleased to see the dispelling of myths and the advertising of the truth from reliable sources.

With more and more health and government departments, trusts, researchers and more advocating for the use of e-cigarettes instead of tobacco smoking, we hope to see smoking numbers drop further, reducing the impact that smoking has on the NHS, the environment and of course, health and well-being!

Open Eyes When It Comes to Smoking

While once upon a time, it was perfectly normal to smoke, and some people were even given cigarettes as part of their weekly pay, our modern awareness puts tobacco smoking in a new light. Countless studies have confirmed that smoking is responsible for some cancers and respiratory diseases and is a risk factor for anyone with other conditions, for example, diabetes and heart disease, to name a few, and more.

It has also been proven that passive smoking, a non-smoker breathing in someone else’s cigarette smoke, can be just as dangerous to them as if they had lit up a cigarette and smoked it themselves. This realisation formed the basis of the Go Smoke-Free legislation that went live in 2007, which effectively banned smoking in public places, including eateries, on public transport, at work and more.

We all know smoking is not a good idea, so why doesn’t everyone stop?

Quitting Isn’t Easy

Scientists and psychologists have proven that it is not simply a nicotine addiction that stops people from quitting, even when they want to. While nicotine is known to have addictive properties, anyone trying to go cold turkey will also find themselves battling a body that is used to all of the other chemicals in tobacco cigarettes (worrying because there are some real nasties in there, according to WHO), and missing the hand to mouth action, the relaxing inhale and exhale experience, the social aspect and more.

If only there were something that offered all this without the damning health implications that come with smoking.

Go-Smoke-Free With Vaping

Many professionals are queuing up to praise vaping as a cessation device. One NHS trust in Hampshire was even giving a one-off £25 vaping voucher to attendees of their stop-smoking clinics to buy a vaping starter kit locally to help them walk away from smoking.

Stoptober, the annual stop-smoking campaign run by Public Health England, listed e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking last year for the first time. Countless cancer and heart charities have been keen to support a switch to vaping if that will help people quit smoking altogether.

There are many reasons why vaping is the better alternative, including:

• Vaping is cheaper than smoking, making it a budget-friendly alternative (especially with a twenty-pack of cigarettes now costing £10+).
• Public Health England has publicly announced their findings that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.
• The World Health Organisation has classified a great number of chemicals in tobacco smoke as being toxic and as having the real potential to cause cancer. No such classifications exist for any e-liquid ingredients.
• Vaping allows you to enjoy the same or similar actions as when smoking, namely the hand-to-mouth action, taking a draw and so on.
• E liquids used within e-cigarettes contain nicotine in various strengths, so you can switch and not have to go cold turkey to walk away from nicotine. However, you can gradually reduce the amount of nicotine until you may vape nicotine-free e-liquid if that is your goal.
• These are just a few ways vaping is better than smoking and why it works so well as a cessation device, even if they are not cessation devices officially (yet - PHE are working on this!).

Image Source: pexels.com/photo/man-sitting-on-a-sofa-while-smoking-7405814/