Can Electronic Cigarettes Help You Quit Smoking

Can electronic cigarettes help you quit smoking ?

Probably, but the companies who sell these devices are not in a position to tell you that. Because the FDA has not approved electronic cigarettes, they are not being sold as smoking cessation devices, but rather as a healthier "smoking alternative" for people who want smoke in public places.

E-cigarettes are an alternative nicotine delivery system. Common sense would dictate that they could be effectively used as part of an overall smoking cessation program, similar to the way nicotine gum, patches and inhalers are.

And here is an interesting fact about electronic cigarette nicotine cartridges :

They come in several different nicotine levels high, medium, low, and zero nicotine. Conceivably a person could slowly wean themselves from their nicotine addiction by progressively lowering their intake levels. It's important to note that even a cartridge with a "high" nicotine level still delivers considerably less nicotine per inhale than a traditional cigarette.


So how many smokers successfully quit using the electronic cigarette?

It's too soon to say for sure and no organized studies have been performed to date. However, if one were to go to the numerous "vaping" forums they would see many testimonials of people who have kicked the habit for good using these devices. Some of these success stories are from people who have smoked over a pack a day for decades.

Until in-depth clinical studies are done, we are going to have to rely on anecdotal testimonials and our own reasonable judgement. Do your research and educate yourself on the facts. Then you will be well equipped to make and intelligent adult decision if this is something that can help you quit smoking.


Here's the bottom line :

No device, even one as promising as the e-cigarette, is going to be a "silver bullet" that can make a smoker quit overnight. Successfully quiting forever starts with a strong conviction to quit. If a person truly wants to quit then the electronic cigarette may prove to be a very helpful tool in realizing that goal.

But let's face it... many smokers DON"T want to quit!

They just enjoy smoking too much. For this group, electronic smoking can be a much healthier alternative... hopefully one that will keep them alive a lot longer.

Electronic Cigarette Review

Can the electronic cigarette offer a realistic smoking experience?

This is the first thought that came to my mind when I first heard about e-cigarettes and no doubt you're also wondering "how close to the real thing is it?"

I'd like to share my electronic cigarette review with you in the hopes that it will give you a clearer idea of what to expect should you decide to try it out.

Smokers enjoy their cigarettes. If you smoke then you know what I'm talking about. For many smokers it is a love hate relationship. You know it's bad for you but you enjoy the sensation and the actual ritual of smoking. That's why nicotine delivery alternatives like gum and the patch don't cut it... they don't simulate the actual smoking experience.

This is where the e-cigarette comes in. It claims to replicate a real smoking experience but without the same health risks and other drawbacks of smoking tobacco. And you know what? It does a pretty good job. It may not be exactly the same but the similarities are great enough to satisfy most smokers.

When I first heard about electric smoking I thought it was a joke. I mean come on... a battery powered cigarette?

You've got to be kidding!

It wasn't until recently (after hearing several positive reviews) that I finally decided to try it for myself.

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised....

The sensation of the vapor is incredibly similar to real cigarette smoke. The vapor has a warmth to it and it feels like real smoke when you inhale. You also get that immediate nicotine sensation which is very satisfying.

The taste was a lot like tobacco but not exactly. It was a bit smoother and cleaner tasting and I found myself actually preferring the flavor. I understand that other flavors are available like menthol, vanilla, fruit, etc., but I didn't try any of those.

When you blow out the vapor you see a cloud that looks exactly like smoke but without the lingering smell. As a matter of fact the vapor is nearly odorless and the cloud (which is just vaporized water and nicotine) quickly disappears without a trace. The fact that the breath, hands, hair and clothes don't stink is a huge plus!

Another huge plus for me is the price. A pack of cigarettes where I live is over $7. A single nicotine cartridge for most electronic cigarettes is around $2 and is the equivalent of about 30 cigarettes.

I know cigarette smoking is bad, but at least now there is a healthier and more cost efficient alternative. I hope my electronic cigarette review helped you decide if this is something that may benefit you or someone you love. If you're a smoker I highly recommend giving the electronic cigarette a try... you may find yourself changing the way you smoke forever.

Electronic Cigarettes and the FDA

Electronic cigarettes, the FDA, anti-freeze and teenagers... how are these four connected?

Apparently the FDA found small traces of diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze, in one sample of electronic cigarette solution they analyzed. They are also concerned that teenagers will get addicted to electronic smoking. How serious are these issues? Are e-cigarettes harmful devices that should be banned? Lets get the facts straight and put all this information into perspective.

Diethylene glycol may be a toxic ingredient but exactly how toxic is it?

1. It is has one-tenth the toxicity of aspirin.
2. It has one-fortieth the toxicity of nicotine (the primary ingredient in electronic cigarette vapor).

Diethylene glycol is also found in everyday consumable products like :

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Cough syrup
• Wine
• Dog food
• And many others...

You have to wonder why the FDA is focusing so much on the minute traces of diethylene glycol found in one sample when clearly this is a very common ingredient many of us are ingesting regularly.

That's not to say that diethylene glycol is totally harmless and we shouldn't have any concerns about it. But when the FDA starts focusing on words like 'diethylene glycol' and 'anti-freeze' it sure does sound scary. However, a little bit of education on the facts puts it back in perspective doesn't it? By the way, water is another ingredient found in anti-freeze!

The FDA tends to give the impression that they have regulatory control over nicotine. That is not always the case. They regulate smoking cessation products and claims. That's why electronic cigarettes are marketed as a smoking alternative and not as a means to quit smoking.

Another "concern" expressed by the FDA is that electronic cigarettes target underage kids. Here is an FDA quote from one of their reports:

"These products are marketed and sold to young people and are readily available online and in shopping malls. They are also available in different flavors, such as chocolate and mint, which may appeal to young people".

There is absolutely zero evidence that e-cigarettes target teenagers. Just the opposite... the marketing is focused on adults who already smoke and are searching for a healthier alternative they can use in public places. And here is some breaking news: Adults like to shop in malls and enjoy a variety of flavor choices too! Besides, the initial cost of entry for a top of the line electronic cigarette is not practical for most teenagers.

I encourage you to do your own due diligence and research the electronic cigarette to see if this is something that will benefit you. Look at all sides of the story and try to get unbiased information. Right now the FDA appears to be biased against electronic smoking for some reason. Do they have a hidden agenda? Who knows... but I think I detect trace elements of BS in the FDA reports!

Tips on Using Your New Electronic Cigarette

Your new electronic cigarette is not a complicated device but with anything new there is always going to be a bit of a learning curve. Here are some tips on the best way to maximize your electronic smoking experience so you can save both time and money.

Tips for new electronic smokers :

1. Get extra batteries and atomizers.

These are the two things that are most likely to need replacing. A quick word of caution: It's a good idea to make sure you like your particular electronic cigarette model first before buying all the extras. Once you know for sure you're satisfied with it, get the extra hardware... you'll definitely get good use out of them!


2. Get a car charger and a USB passthrough.

These will allow you to "vape" while driving or at your computer without the need to drain your batteries. Again, make sure you're satisfied with your model before buying the extras.


3. Start off with a lower nicotine dose.

Electronic cigarette cartridges typically come in several different doses: High, medium, low and none. When you first get your e-cigarette you're going to want to be experimenting with it a lot, trying new flavors, etc. If you're not careful you'll end up absorbing more nicotine than you're used to... and possibly increasing your addiction to it. Start off low and increase your dose after the novelty wears off if you feel like it.


4. Take long, slow puffs.

A long, slow, steady puff will give you the most vapor volume. Short, hard puffs will tend to flood the atomizer causing reduced vapor production (you may even get liquid in your mouth).


5. Switch atomizers frequently.

Atomizers tend to get clogged easily and when this happens the vapor volume is greatly reduced. Switch out your atomizer daily for best performance and be sure to clean them frequently. (This tip only applies to three-part ecigs where the atomizer is a separate unit. Some newer two-piece models have a built in atomizer in each individual cartridge).


Follow these tips and you will have a head start on being able to fully enjoy your new electronic cigarette as soon as possible. If you're unsure about something be sure to check out some of the ecigarette forums online. These can be an excellent resource for answering nearly any question you can think of.

Congratulations on choosing a healthier smoking alternative... happy vaping!

What is an Electronic Cigarette

When I first heard about the electronic cigarette my first reaction was that this was a novelty item that wasn't to be taken seriously. But upon closer inspection I realized that this is an ingenious invention that has the potential to revolutionize the way people smoke forever.

What exactly is an electronic cigarette? Here is a description of what it is, how it works and how it can potentially benefit you or a loved one.

The e-cigarette is a battery powered device that looks, feels, tastes, and reacts like a cigarette... but it's not a real cigarette! It even delivers nicotine but without the harmful smoke, tar and chemicals associated with real tobacco smoke. The nicotine is inhaled via a clean odorless vapor.

An electronic cigarette is typically made up of three parts :

1. Atomizer
2. Battery
3. Nicotine Cartridge

NOTE: Some of the newer models combine the atomizer and nicotine cartridges as one disposable unit. The advantage of this is that you always have a fresh atomizer instead of a single atomizer that can become clogged and less efficient over time. A fresh atomizer will insure that you get the highest volume of vapor on each puff, adding to a more satisfactory smoking experience.

Let's go over what each component does:

1. Atomizer.

This heats up and vaporizes a mixture of liquid nicotine. The sensation of inhaling this vapor is very similar to real cigarette smoke but without the same health risks. It even has a warm feel to it which adds to a realistic experience. The vapor produces a cloud that looks like smoke but is actually just a mist that quickly disappears.


2. Battery.

Nothing too complicated here, just a rechargeable battery that powers the atomizer. It is shaped to look like the body of a real cigarette. The lifespan of batteries varies from model to model. The lifespan depends on the number of mouth puffs. Typically you will get 150 - 400 puffs before having to recharge the battery.


3. Nicotine cartridge.

These cartridges are made up of a water/nicotine solution. A single cartridge is typically the equivalent of 1 - 1.5 packs of tobacco cigarettes. Different nicotine strengths are available in high, low, or medium. Most manufacturers also offer a variety of flavors ranging from traditional tobacco flavor, menthol, vanilla, chocolate and fruit flavors.

The electronic cigarette is surprisingly similar to the real thing but without the same health risks. There is no lingering offensive odor. It's also a lot less expensive than tobacco cigarettes. This combined with the fact that you can use it anywhere makes e-smoking a sensible and healthier alternative, one worth considering either for yourself or a loved one.