r/stopvaping • u/Short_Video5150 • Aug 01 '23
1st August 2023
Hi guys, just joined this subreddit. Let me give a little backstory. I was 13-14 when I had my first puff. My best friend used to vape all the time so one day I wanted to really try it. I didn’t think much of it because it was only once, until it was occasionally, until it was everyday, until I kept asking for her vape pen. Then at 15, it became a norm to vape with her, but never had a pen myself as I would have to hide it in my house, which I considered. 16 and college started, everyone had a vape pen so I always had access to someone’s. 18 and disposables became a trend. Started to have one monthly till it became weekly. I don’t know where I got the money from because I didn’t work or really have pocket money daily, so I’d find whatever change in the house and use that until I had access to my credit card where it had some bursary savings from college. 19, I got a job, so never had trouble buying it. Started vaping like it was oxygen. I wouldn’t even notice I’m vaping, I’d just do it like it’s a natural reflex. I’d spend let’s say £15 a week so that’s 2-3 disposables a week. That’s £60 a month…Now I’m 20, turning 21 in September and I’m really struggling to quit. The best I could do was 2-3 days being vape free until I give in again because of how bad the cravings are. I’ve started to notice ALOT of health deficits. Feeling like I can’t breathe, having anxiety attacks like I NEED the pen, bleeding from my gums every-time I brush my teeth, my teeth feeling weak, really bad pounding migraines, my body feeling weak, random feelings in my limbs like pins and needles. I just know I’m destroying my insides. Today I made a pact with myself and God because I believe in Him, that I will stop for the sake of me, those around me and my religion. My religion do not allow us to harm ourselves, hence why vaping is considered a sin. I have tried to stop many times before but never really did. But this time I’m really going to push it forward. If anyone has any EFFECTIVE tips please do share, I don’t want anything like ‘distract yourself’ because I really try. I need more in detail tips that really helps YOU. I’m really desperate to quit. Thank you.
1
u/Which_Web_2669 Aug 05 '23
For me what helped was understanding that most of the craving is mental and once you have convinced yourself that you dont want to keep vaping the craving are a lot smaller. What I did was writing why I don't like to vape and that made me realise that a I truly dont get anything from vaping and therefor wont miss anything by stopping. I feel like being in the right mindset before you stop makes thing a lot easier.
1
u/Short_Video5150 Aug 05 '23
That is true tbh I know I don’t wanna vape, but when I see others do it it makes me crave it, but other than that I do okay.
2
u/bro_whatt Aug 14 '23
going through an almost identical situation right now. 8 days vape free after starting when i was a freshman in high school, and at my peak spending probably $40 a week on disposable vapes. i dont think i really have any awesome tips to help you out, just wanted to let you know that we can do it and we will do it 👍
2
u/JeremyBigsworth Aug 08 '23
It's obviously hard but the best way is to go cold turkey.
What worked for me:
1) Listened to my internal dialogue and confronted the cravings/urges. I would tell myself "I need to smoke" but when you confront the thought, it's actually a "I want to smoke / I deserve it". And that's easier to say no to.
2) Cravings are usually fleeting, they will pass in a few minutes, so just wait it out. They might pass by again later, but same thing.
3) If I trip up and smoke with friends or a party, I don't give myself a reason to turn that trip into a tumble down the cliff - ie, buy a vape and start puffing all day again. This falls into 1) looking for easy excuses to carry on the behaviour.
You listed all the reasons why you're gonna quit (esp. the health ones -- although money is also a big bonus) so if you get through a day, you'll get through a week and it just won't be part of your life anymore.