This may be a question you’ve been pondering lately if you are a smoker that has recently been introduced to the existence of this relatively new invention: the electronic cigarette. Read the history of electronic cigarettes.
The electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette or e-cig for short, is designed to simulate the experience of smoking minus the tobacco and secondhand smoke. It consists of a small lithium ion battery, an atomizer, and a cartridge. Some e-cigarette models combine the atomizer and cartridge in one unit – calling it a cartomizer. The cartridge is where you fill your ‘e-liquid,’ which is the liquid containing nicotine and flavoring. When you activate the device by inhaling through it or pressing a button, the battery provides power to the atomizer, which automatically heats up the e-liquid and turns it into vapor that you inhale just like smoke from a cigarette. There are numerous models of e-cigarettes, with different features and battery capacities.
So, do you feel that this new smoking device is right for you? Let us examine who the electronic cigarette is ideally for.
Although by law e-cigarettes are currently not to be marketed as smoking cessation devices, they are a smoking alternative that offers users something closer to the real thing, compared to nicotine gums, patches and lozenges. According to several studies and user surveys, most e-cigarette users are former smokers trying to quit and they find it to be effective. If you are a smoker and you can’t seem to quit using other NRT methods or cold turkey, then you might want to consider the electronic cigarette.
If you plan to continue to smoke but really want to reduce your tobacco use, then the e-cigarette is a good alternative. It is something that tastes, feels and looks like a regular cigarette. It gives you the hit you crave for, the feeling of holding something in your hand, and the simulated ‘smoke.’
Whether you want to reduce or stomp out tobacco completely, another reason for you to try out the e-cigarette is if you want to protect your family and loved ones from the harmful effects of passive smoking. The e-cigarette does not produce smoke, which is one of the greatest benefits of electronic cigarettes. It only emits water-based vapor that contains nicotine (non-nicotine options are available as well). An e-cig shop may offer e-liquids in various nicotine strengths, from high to zero, in order for you to slowly wean yourself off nicotine.
So if you are longing for a safer alternative to your smoking habit, then the e-cigarette may just be what you are looking for.
Do keep in mind this important e-cigarette info:
The e-cigarette is strictly not for persons under 18, non-smokers, pregnant women, persons with allergies to PG (propylene glycol) e-liquid, or persons who suffer from any heart or lung-related disease. A European-based e-cigarette shop does not even recommend or sell their e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 21. The e-cigarette may contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, so if you are NOT a smoker in the first place, you do not want to take the risk of becoming a nicotine addict.
With these in mind, it is up to you to give the electronic cigarettes a try. Many former smokers have claimed success and satisfaction with these products – it is your discretion to see if they can work for you, too.
