One of the biggest challenges to living a healthy lifestyle is dealing with a habit that drags you down, like smoking, including electronic cigarettes. These e-cigarettes have harmful chemicals, including addictive substances like nicotine. Many smokers believe e-cigarettes are a good replacement and often use them to help quit smoking entirely. If you’re trying to quit smoking, here are some gradual steps to help you reduce smoking until you can quit for good.
An electronic cigarette is a handheld device that mimics the sensation of smoking tobacco. It heats a liquid to create an aerosol, commonly called vapor, that the user inhales. This process is known as vaping. E-cigarettes deliver varying doses of nicotine or non-nicotine solutions for the user to inhale. Some argue that e-cigarettes are better than tobacco cigarettes because they allow users to control the nicotine dosage, unlike traditional cigarettes. Therefore, people who want to cut down on smoking often switch to e-cigarettes on their way to quitting.
Besides being a potential substitute, e-cigarettes come in various flavors, making them more appealing than tobacco cigarettes. Here are some steps to gradually reduce your e-cigarette usage effectively.
First, it’s important to prepare before making any changes. Choose a specific date to quit. This date helps you mentally and physically prepare for the upcoming change. It also provides enough time to get ready for this significant shift.
Consider some tips from the American Cancer Society to help you gear up for quitting:
Quitting “cold turkey” or suddenly stopping e-cigarettes can negatively impact your health. Some people opt for substitutes or treatments like medication and therapy. Many people don’t realize how powerful nicotine addiction can be. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit smoking. NRTs help detoxify your body by providing controlled nicotine doses.
Some FDA-approved NRT types include various products. Always seek professional medical advice when using NRT.
Changing your diet can influence your smoking habits, especially with e-cigarettes. Smoking dulls your senses and affects your eating habits by suppressing your appetite. Eating healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can help you reduce smoking.
Remember, the key to cutting down on e-cigarettes is having a mindset focused on reducing and eventually quitting smoking. The journey might take some time, but gradually, you’ll be free from this unhealthy habit.
