Thinking of taking the first step toward kicking vaping to the curb? Having detailed knowledge on how to quit vaping can be an important step in kicking the habit for good. Quitting vaping may feel like quite a challenge and it may even be scary. The good news is that you can absolutely reclaim your freedom with the right mindset and tools.
The Way to Rapid and Potent Nicotine Addiction
Vaping may seem quite different from smoking, but underneath the hood both habits are much alike. Whether it’s puffing on a cigarette or hitting a vape, nicotine is the star of the show. Nicotine is what keeps smokers and people who vape coming back for more.
A nasty side effect of vaping is that it may even be more addictive than smoking because the experience is often less harsh when compared to cigarette smoking. It’s smoother, tastier, and much easier to tolerate. Nicotine absorption from vaping can also be more efficient than traditional smoking.
The discreet nature and ease of use of vapes allow for more frequent use throughout the day when you compare it to cigarettes.
With many factors combined, vaping can lead to rapid and stronger addiction to nicotine when compared to cigarettes. The good news is that the process of quitting vapes is almost exactly the same as quitting cigarettes.
Understand the Nature of Nicotine Addiction
When you vape, nicotine triggers a release of dopamine. Dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical. Soon your brain associates vaping with pleasure. The hidden reality is that you don’t suck on a vape for pleasure, but you suck on it to avoid withdrawal symptoms like irritability, cravings, and anxiety. The pleasure you get from sucking on a vape is an illusion simply brought on by the release of dopamine in the brain and for no other reason.
Understand that the cycle of relieving withdrawal symptoms is temporary when you quit vaping. When you finally quit, your brain rebalances itself and the cycle is broken within days. Nicotine withdrawal might feel rough at first, but the good news is that with a little time it becomes much easier to handle and it eventually goes away.
Recognize Your Superpower and Use It
You’re not reading this article by accident. You’re reading it because you have a reason or many reasons that brought you here. Those reasons for thinking about quitting vaping is your superpowers.
Maybe you want to quit for your family, breathe easier or just feel in control again. Whatever it is, write it down, say it out loud or engrave it in your mind or stick it on your mirror.
Your reasons for quitting should be your driving force. It is your North Star that is guiding you. Every time you feel the urge to vape, remind yourself what you’re really doing it for.
Identify Your Triggers and Create New Habits
Your brain tied vaping to routines, emotions, social situations and even mundane every-day tasks. Think about the times you usually reach for your vape. These moments may be at stressful times, or when you’re experiencing boredom or it may be when you socialize.
Instead of vaping, replace these situations with healthier alternatives:
- Instead of vaping when you’re stressed, practice deep breathing or exercise. If there is no time for exercise, gentle stretching or a short walk may be a great way to release tension quickly.
- If you usually vape when you’re socializing, replace it with gum or something else like a healthy drink.
- If you vape when you get bored, try swapping it out for a fun hobby like drawing, painting, playing games or even some chores. Keeping busy is key!
- If you reach for your vape after a meal, try chewing gum or reaching for a piece of fruit instead. Brushing your teeth may also be a great healthy alternative.
Identify your own situations where you think you may experience triggers. Make a mental note of your own triggers and a course of action that you can take instead of vaping. If you think you may forget and get caught off guard, write down your triggers with an alternative course of action and memorize it.
Having awareness of your triggers allows you to be in control. It helps you anticipate and interrupt the cycle of the addiction by reconditioning your brain’s reward system.
Prepare for Withdrawal Symptoms
Know that nicotine withdrawal is only temporary, but it can be intense.
Symptoms may include:
- Strong cravings
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
These symptoms typically peak within the first three days and gradually subside over a few weeks. It is not uncommon for cravings to persist longer but they will normally be faint by this time and easy to deal with. It will get easier and easier as time passes.
Remind yourself that every craving resisted is a step closer to freedom. Remember that the cravings leave quickly and will soon be something you will never have to deal with again in your life.
Set a Quit Date and Make a Decision That Secures Your Success
Choose a day and mark it on your calendar. Give yourself enough time to prepare mentally and physically. Once you set your quit date, stick to it with determination.
Make a solemn vow never to smoke a vape again. This is powerful because it reinforces your commitment to stay free from smoking.
When you make a serious decision you’re not just “trying to quit”. You’re deciding, once and for all, that smoking is no longer part of your life. This removes any loopholes that could lead to a relapse like “I’ll just have a quick puff”.
When cravings hit, never debate whether or not to smoke. You made a solemn vow and it is an unbreakable internal contract with yourself to never smoke again. Acknowledge that there is absolutely no decision to make. The answer to “just a puff” is always a resounding “no” and it is not up for debate.
Many people relapse by thinking they can have “just one puff”. This is a dangerous rationalization that can quickly get you back to a full-scale addiction to vaping in no time. Always remember that there is no such a thing as “just one puff”.
Never leave the door open with “maybe someday.” Doing this will create a constant struggle in your mind with the possibility of smoking again. A definitive vow closes that door and allows you to move forward with your life.
Fully commit to quitting for life and view smoking as a thing of the past and leave absolutely no room for reconsideration!
Reward Yourself and Celebrate Your Progress
Quitting vaping is one of the best things you can do for your health, finances, and overall well-being. It is an achievement that is worth celebrating! Set milestones and reward yourself when you reach them. Use the money you save from not buying vaping products to treat yourself. A reward like a nice meal, a new gadget, or a fun experience can reinforce your commitment to staying vape free for life.
Every hour, day, or week without vaping is a win. Soon you will realize that life without vaping is way more fun than life with it. You’re not just breaking free, but you’re upgrading your life in a wonderful way that will last a lifetime.
Want to Quit Vaping Easily and Permanently Without Willpower?
After smoking hundreds of thousands of cigarettes and sucking on vapes for years I discovered something that got me to quit nicotine easily and instantly. What if I told you that quitting smoking cigarettes or vapes could be as easy as snapping your fingers? Find out how to quit vaping easily and permanently here. Claim your victory over smoking today!
