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In the UK, there’s a smoker trying to quit around every 80 seconds.

With so much information available and so many methods to quit, more and more people are trying to give up the habit that kills around 77,900 people in the here every year. In the last few years, vaping has become the most popular way to try and break the habit with 36.5% of vapers being totally smoke-free after 90 days. For many, it isn’t just the nicotine their body craves but also the action of inhaling and exhaling smoke that’s addictive. As such, vaping provides both the nicotine and the similar sensation of inhaling and exhaling without the chemicals and carcinogens of conventional cigarettes.

If you’re looking to try e-cigarettes to help you quit, there are a few things to be aware of before you do to give yourself the best chance of success.

Getting the correct strength e-liquid:

Choosing the right nicotine strength is key as it’s largely what defines whether or not you get a satisfying hit from an e-cigarette. Too weak and it may prove to be unsatisfactory at keeping cravings away, too strong and you can get a nicotine rush that can make you feel unwell. As a guide, the more you smoke a day the heavier the nicotine dose you’ll need. E-liquids range from nicotine free up to a 20mg strength which is the maximum allowed under TPD. 

For those who get through a pack a day or more, the maximum 20mg strength is usually best. Nicotine salt e-liquids are also a popular option as they’re more readily absorbed than the more common freebase form of nicotine so are ideal for smokers who need a near-instant hit. For lighter or social smokers, typically a 3mg or 6mg is adequate to keep cravings away. Those fitting in between the heavy and light smokers, sitting at around 10 – 15 cigarettes a day, a 12mg is often ideal. Generally speaking, when you’re starting out, it’s best to consult with an expert in a vape shop who can talk to you about your smoking habits and advise which strength will be best.

Getting the right kit:

Typically, when you’re used to the simplicity of just lighting a cigarette up, it’s best to also keep it as simple as possible with your vape kit. Most entry-level vapers will go for a pod kit or pen vape as they’re the most straightforward to set up. Finding an e-cigarette that’s as simple and easy to use as possible will make you more likely to stick with it. Pod kits with pre-filled pods are especially popular, including the likes of the Juul, as all the user needs to do is click a pod into place and it’s ready to vape.

Making sure your vape stays charged:

If you’re going out, making sure you always have a fully charged vape and enough e-liquid to last you is important. If it runs out of battery when you’re out you’re likely to be more inclined to pick up a pack of cigarettes. Most e-cigarettes charge quite quickly, so even if you have 30 minutes before you go out it’s a good idea to plug it in for a while. Most models can be charged through a micro-USB port so you can even charge at work through your PC before you leave the office.

Avoiding smoking triggers:

Many people find that the craving for a cigarette is stronger at certain times of the day or due to certain pressures. If you smoke after a meal, or when you have a drink, it’s a good idea to make sure your vape is at hand. If you can avoid the situations that exacerbate your cigarette cravings, at least for the first week or two, you’ll find it that much easier to be in those situations later on without wanting to reach for a cigarette.

There’s no reason to wait for another new year to make the decision to give up a habit that’s so harmful to your health. If you can keep off smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. There are challenges in quitting but if you get the right advice from vaping specialists, find the right liquid and kit you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of making a successful quit attempt.

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