The latest buzz for people who are trying to quit smoking is the electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Seemingly overnight, this industry sprung up as a supposedly viable solution to quitting smoking, and with good reason: the electronic cigarette isn't actually a cigarette, it just soothes your cravings for nicotine. So, is it really a good idea?
The electronic cigarette falls under the same category as nicotine patches and gums: Nicotine Replacement Therapy. In the same vein, it has the exact same problems as the other nicotine replacement methods: it's merely a band-aid for your urge to quit.
As I was trying to quit smoking, I tried virtually every trick in the book. None of them worked, and for good reason: when I ran out, I went right back to smoking. I never sat around and said, 'Wow, I could really go for one of those nicotine patches right now!'
Of course, the solution to this is to keep an ample supply of whatever replacement you're using on hand. But what happens when you're out at a bar or with friends? Everyone's out smoking, you're not going to be that person who turns on their e-cigarette and takes a few drags, being all high and mighty over the other smokers. It just doesn't make sense.
There is really only one real way to quit smoking: willpower. Many people say that cold turkey is the hardest way to quit smoking, and with good reason: they go about it all the wrong way. If you know what you're doing and stomp out your want for cigarettes before you start, you'll be able to quit and never look back!
