Hi everyone! Welcome back to another Q&A. If you’ve been wondering if vaping can help you quit smoking, you’re in luck! Today, I have Keith with me, he’s a former smoker with personal insights to share.
Ashley: Hi Keith, Thanks for taking the time to chat today. I understand that your journey to quit smoking has been quite the ride. Shall we start by asking how you got into vaping and what exactly it was?
Keith: Hey Ashley, glad to be here. Yeah, quitting smoking was a real battle. Vaping kind of snuck up on me. I’d heard about it from a buddy who said it was like smoking but without all the nasty stuff. So, I looked into it. These devices heat up a liquid—usually with nicotine and some flavours— and it turns into a vapour you can inhale. There are different types of vaping devices out there, from small cig-a-likes that look like cigarettes to these bigger mods that let you tinker with the settings. I went with a vape pen myself. Seemed like a good middle ground to transition from cigarettes.
Ashley: I feel you. With so many options available, your approach made sense. So, what made you think vaping could actually help you quit smoking?
Keith: I’d tried everything before—patches, gum, you name it. But nothing really clicked. Then, when I learned that vaping could give me the nicotine I craved without the cancer-causing substances in cigarettes, I thought, why not? What really sold me was that it felt like smoking. You get that same hand-to-mouth action which is a big part of the ritual. Plus, with vaping, you can slowly cut down on the nicotine until you’re off it completely. That’s what I did, and I’m not gonna lie—it worked better than anything else I’ve tried.
Ashley: At least one of these smoke-free alternatives worked for you! And I know a lot of people worry about the health risks. How do you see vaping compared to smoking in terms of effects on the body?
Keith: Let’s be real, vaping is not completely safe. There are definitely risks, like lung issues we’re still learning about, and you can still get hooked on nicotine. But compared to smoking? It’s night and day. Smoking’s literally playing with fire—you’re exposing yourself to thousands of chemicals that are deadly. Vaping cuts out most of that junk. It’s not totally risk-free, but if you’re a smoker, vaping is an infinitely better option.
Ashley: I hear you. But what about all the controversy surrounding vaping? Some folks say it’s not as helpful as it seems, and might even cause more problems.
Keith: Oh yeah, there’s a lot of noise out there. The big one is the fear that vaping’s a gateway drug, especially for kids. And I get that. You see all these teenagers picking up vape pens, and it’s alarming. But for people like me, who were deep into smoking, vaping’s been a lifeline. Public Health England, for instance, says it’s 95% less harmful than smoking and can help people quit. And it’s a hot topic because, like anything, it’s got its downsides, and the last thing anyone wants is more folks picking up vaping instead of using it as a means to stop smoking.
Ashley: I know this is personal, but did vaping actually help you quit for good?
Keith: Yeah, it did. I was a pack-a-day smoker, and vaping helped me break that cycle. I started with a vape pen and gradually lowered the nicotine level until I didn’t need it anymore. I’m not saying it’s a magic bullet—some people vape and smoke, or just can’t quit—but for me, it was a lifeline. I’m living proof it can work, but I also know it’s not the answer for everyone. You’ve got to be ready to quit, and vaping’s just one tool in the box.
Ashley: That’s awesome, Keith. What do the experts say about why vaping works for some people and not for others?
Keith: It’s all about finding what clicks for you. Vaping helps with the physical habit and the nicotine hit, but it doesn’t fix everything. If smoking’s how you deal with stress, vaping might not fully scratch that itch. And honestly, some folks just don’t like vaping. It’s gotta feel right for you, or it’s not gonna stick.
Ashley: Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for vaping as a tool to quit smoking?
Keith: I think vaping’s here to stay, but it’s gonna keep evolving. We’ll see new tech designed to help people quit, and probably more regulations to keep things in check. The debate isn’t going anywhere, but I hope more people see vaping for what it is—a way to step down from smoking and get their life back. It’s not perfect, but for a lot of us, it’s made a world of difference.
Ashley: Thanks, Keith, for sharing your story and insights. Your honesty is refreshing, and I’m sure a lot of people will find it helpful. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s clear that vaping can be a powerful tool for those who are ready to take that step.
Keith: Thanks, Ashley. If my story helps even one person take the leap, it’s worth it. Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Vaping gave me my life back, and I hope it can do the same for others.