Anyone else trying to quit smoking in 2013?

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Nicotine in its pure firm is no more harmful than caffeine. Read up on it and vape!
.

Err, methinks you could do with some reading up of your own, friend.

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Err, methinks you could do with some reading up of your own, friend.

I have.

"Nicotine as a pure drug has few adverse effects to health..."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/addictions/nicotine.shtml

Sure it raises blood pressure but so does my wife. And caffeine.

[scottfeldstein]

I'll buy that for a nickel. But does it lead to people quitting tobacco smoking? I'm doubtful..but curious to know.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

I have.

"Nicotine as a pure drug has few adverse effects to health..."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotiona...nicotine.shtml

Sure it raises blood pressure but so does my wife. And caffeine.

Better read some more. From Wiki, and this is just the tip of the iceberg:
" Effective April 1, 1990, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the California Environmental Protection Agency added nicotine to the list of chemicals known to cause developmental toxicity. [81]"

[scottfeldstein]

Hm, I don't know. I think if someone kicked smoking tobacco in favor of pure nicotine use, that's got to to be significantly healthier. Let's have a link if you know differently.

Meanwhile, I'm in a dilemma. Tomorrow is my quite date. But I ran out of smokes at like 8:30 pm tonight. I was walking to the car earlier but turned around and decided to just forget about it. Eventually, though, I went and bought a pack. I surely wont' smoke more than a few of these. Then I'll, what? Shred them up and toss 'em in the garbage? I guess I will. *Sigh*

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Better read some more. From Wiki, and this is just the tip of the iceberg:
" Effective April 1, 1990, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the California Environmental Protection Agency added nicotine to the list of chemicals known to cause developmental toxicity. [81]"

S'ok, I'm not pregnant.

[paradog]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

Hm, I don't know. I think if someone kicked smoking tobacco in favor of pure nicotine use, that's got to to be significantly healthier. Let's have a link if you know differently.

Meanwhile, I'm in a dilemma. Tomorrow is my quite date. But I ran out of smokes at like 8:30 pm tonight. I was walking to the car earlier but turned around and decided to just forget about it. Eventually, though, I went and bought a pack. I surely wont' smoke more than a few of these. Then I'll, what? Shred them up and toss 'em in the garbage? I guess I will. *Sigh*

Good Luck today. Water, gum, and a puzzle will help you through the tough times. here is something to think about:
Within ...


• 20 minutes
Your blood pressure, pulse rate and the temperature of your hands and feet have returned to normal.

• 8 hours
Remaining nicotine in your bloodstream will have fallen to 6.25% of normal peak daily levels, a 93.25% reduction.

• 12 hours
Your blood oxygen level will have increased to normal and carbon monoxide levels will have dropped to normal.

• 24 hours
Anxieties have peaked in intensity and within two weeks should return to near pre-cessation levels.

• 48 hours
Damaged nerve endings have started to regrow and your sense of smell and taste are beginning to return to normal. Cessation anger and irritability will have peaked.

• 72 hours
Your entire body will test 100% nicotine-free and over 90% of all nicotine metabolites (the chemicals it breaks down into) will now have passed from your body via your urine. Symptoms of chemical withdrawal have peaked in intensity, including restlessness. The number of cue induced crave episodes experienced during any quitting day will peak for the "average" ex-user. Lung bronchial tubes leading to air sacs (alveoli) are beginning to relax in recovering smokers. Breathing is becoming easier and the lung's functional abilities are starting to increase.

• 5 - 8 days
The "average" ex-smoker will encounter an "average" of three cue induced crave episodes per day. Although we may not be "average" and although serious cessation time distortion can make minutes feel like hours, it is unlikely that any single episode will last longer than 3 minutes. Keep a clock handy and time them.

• 10 days
10 days - The "average ex-user is down to encountering less than two crave episodes per day, each less than 3 minutes.

• 10 days to 2 weeks
Recovery has likely progressed to the point where your addiction is no longer doing the talking. Blood circulation in your gums and teeth are now similar to that of a non-user.

• 2 to 4 weeks
Cessation related anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, impatience, insomnia, restlessness and depression have ended. If still experiencing any of these symptoms get seen and evaluated by your physician.

• 21 days
Brain acetylcholine receptor counts that were up-regulated in response to nicotine's presence have now down-regulated and receptor binding has returned to levels seen in the brains of non-smokers.

• 2 weeks to 3 months
Your heart attack risk has started to drop. Your lung function is beginning to improve.

• 3 weeks to 3 months
Your circulation has substantially improved. Walking has become easier. Your chronic cough, if any, has likely disappeared. If not, get seen by a doctor, and sooner if at all concerned, as a chronic cough can be a sign of lung cancer.

• 8 weeks
Insulin resistance in smokers has normalized despite average weight gain of 2.7 kg (1997 study).

• 1 to 9 months
Any smoking related sinus congestion, fatigue or shortness of breath have decreased. Cilia have regrown in your lungs, thereby increasing their ability to handle mucus, keep your lungs clean and reduce infections. Your body's overall energy has increased.

• 1 year
Your excess risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke have dropped to less than half that of a smoker.

• 5 years
Your risk of a subarachnoid haemorrhage has declined to 59% of your risk while still smoking (2012 study). If a female ex-smoker, your risk of developing diabetes is now that of a non-smoker (2001 study).

• 5 to 15 years
Your risk of stroke has declined to that of a non-smoker.

• 10 years
Your risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer is between 30% and 50% of that for a continuing smoker (2005 study). Risk of death from lung cancer has declined by almost half if you were an average smoker (one pack per day). Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and pancreas have declined. Risk of developing diabetes for both men and women is now similar to that of a never-smoker (2001 study and 2012 study).

• 13 years
The average smoker able to live to age 75 has 5.8 fewer teeth than a non-smoker (1998 study). But by year 13 after quitting, your risk of smoking induced tooth loss has declined to that of a never-smoker (2006 study).

• 15 years
Your risk of coronary heart disease is now that of a person who has never smoked. Your risk of pancreatic cancer has declined to that of a never-smoker (2011 study - but note 2nd pancreatic making identical finding at 20 years).

When I quit 17 years ago, the first week was hard. It helps if those around you are supportive. If you smoke in your car...have it steamcleaned...the nicotine/tar is in the fabric. Wash all your clothes, especially coats. Try slow breathing meditation when you feel like smoking. And I hope you are successful for you and your family!

[Simo98]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

I have.

"Nicotine as a pure drug has few adverse effects to health..."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotiona...nicotine.shtml

Sure it raises blood pressure but so does my wife. And caffeine.

Indeed, Nicotine on its own appears to be relatively safe. I don't think a huge amount of research has been done into the long term effects however, as people who consume nicotine historically have been doing so via tobacco.

It's not believed to be carcinogenic on its own, although nicotine use during pregnancy (gum, patches, etc.) has been linked to birth defects. It's also been shown to promote cancer growth in some cases.


But yeah, vape away if you enjoy it I say. All drugs have some negative effects, if you enjoy taking them simply do what you can to minimise the risks, and changing the method of administration to one with far fewer negative impacts is a great move in my opinion.


Although I'd be wary with vaping, as it's fairly new, so potential harmful effects may yet be uncovered. The main thing I would be concerned about is the liquid you are vaping from, it doesn't seem like there is a whole lot of regulation going on in the industry yet.

[96tbird]

Oh, thanks for your permission to vape. I permit you to keep swallowing the pure poison that kills cells dead for the purpose of a buzzz; I'll join you. Oh bartender, another round here.

Edit: the liquid I vape? It's in many foods. Like those soft cookies. It doesn't combust, it boils off the coil. If you run dry it starts to burn but you taste it immediately, and i mean instantly, and you refill. You really don't inhale this stuff, most of the absorption is through the mouth and throat. Just like the prescription nicotine inhalers. But vaping delivers warm mist that is just a better mimic.

The liquid? Food grade pg and vg. The same stuff that theatrical fog machines use.

[Will Kelly]

Originally Posted by FronTowardEnemy

Wow! Almost my story except I have smoked for 21 years and I am not in the military! So far so good, I won't ever smoke again because I want to see my 3 sons get married and have kids. I am retiring in 14 years and would like to enjoy my retirement with my wife as well. So far so good cold turkey for me!

Good job!

Yup, lets see... today will be Day 16 smoke free, cold turkey.

I'm already feeling better and contrary to what I thought might happen, I've also been losing some weight (been lightly exercising everyday).

Keep it up yall!

[Simo98]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Oh, thanks for your permission to vape. I permit you to keep swallowing the pure poison that kills cells dead for the purpose of a buzzz; I'll join you. Oh bartender, another round here.

Er.. why so hostile? I'm on your side dude. I'm talking in the general sense, not intending to give you my express permission to use a electronic cigarette, but if you really want it, you've got it.

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Edit: the liquid I vape? It's in many foods. Like those soft cookies. It doesn't combust, it boils off the coil. If you run dry it starts to burn but you taste it immediately, and i mean instantly, and you refill. You really don't inhale this stuff, most of the absorption is through the mouth and throat. Just like the prescription nicotine inhalers. But vaping delivers warm mist that is just a better mimic.

The liquid? Food grade pg and vg. The same stuff that theatrical fog machines use.

Studies done on E-cig liquid or juice in recent years have found all sorts of chemicals that don't do you much good, from similar compounds found in tobacco (or direct trace elements) to complex hydrocarbons, and this largely due to them being new and thus, relatively unregulated. Many of these were smaller, new or not so reputable manufacturers as far as I'm aware.

As I'm sure you're aware, when drugs are prepared for human consumption (or pretty much anything, food included), they undergo strict regulation and testing policies to ensure that they are up to standards, to ensure they don't contain things they shouldn't and that they do what they say on the box.

E-cigs are a new thing, these regulations are yet to be in place for the most part, meaning that people can get away with selling you e-cig liquid or "juice" that isn't necessarily "up to standard", as those standards don't really exist as yet.


Now, for the most part e-cig liquid is likely fine, when produced by reputable companies and sold through stores in a first world country you need to be careful what you're selling regardless of regulations due to your duty of care and potential liability issues, and obviously to protect you name, brand, product, etc. However in a world where you can buy pretty much whatever you want on the internet, made in China or some other country with no so strict health regulations and the product is not being strictly regulated for import and sale yet (like other drugs are) who know's what you're gonna get. Be mindful of what you're buying, it's not always going to be what you think it is.

And to deny that there could potentially be harmful side effects cropping up in the future is fairly naive in my opinion, heating up anything and inhaling or putting it near your mouth is far from guaranteed to be harmless, in recent years we've discovered all sorts of plastics and rubbers that have been used in the past fro anything from drinking bottles to baby pacifiers to have harmful effects. Chances are they won't be all that major, but things like asbestos and lead were once considered safe too.


From what research I've done vaping seems to be a relatively safe way to consume nicotine (among other things, cannabis included) and by comparison to smoking it has some huge health benefits, however nothing is "harmless", and stating the idea that vaping is somehow the wonder drug that does you no harm is akin to the pro-marijuana people who'll tell you that weed is "harmess" and good for you, and that it even cures cancer!

All drugs have negative effects. Consuming them via a method like vaporisation where the negative impacts are minimised as much as possible is a great move in my opinion. Ideally, from a doctors perspective, nobody would take drugs, however that's not realistic, providing the safest and least harmful way for people to administer their drugs is what is most important in my opinion, and that goes across the board, from nicotine to heroin.

[scottfeldstein]

Had my last smoke Monday morning. I feel like killing everyone I speak to, but so far everything's good.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

Had my last smoke Monday morning. I feel like killing everyone I speak to, but so far everything's good.

Good luck man. It's hard. Don't let the bad guy on your shoulder talk you into having one. If you resist, you'll find the urge subsides in a few minutes. Strange but true.

[scottfeldstein]

I'm already feeling better. I find it's the first couple of days that are the hardest. And then getting through your first weekend, first night out, etc. So I'm doing good.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

And then getting through your first weekend, first night out, etc. So I'm doing good.

Yeah, the real test for me was going out, having some drinks, and then turning down the first smoke after it was offered.

[scottfeldstein]

Actually the one I'm really worried about is the band. Every other weekend or so I drive up to a home studio in a nearby town and spend the evening there recording, drinking beer...and smoking with my singer. Record a take, smoke break. Not looking forward to that next get-together.

But I guess I'll deal with that when it comes.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

But I guess I'll deal with that when it comes.

Don't drink. I'm tellin ya. You'll thank me later.
I had to abstain from drinking for a couple of months. Too strong a connection for me.

[scottfeldstein]

It's not the drinking that'll be a trigger. it'll be playing the last note of a take, pulling my headphones off and ...that's usually when Laura says "let's go have a smoke."

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

It's not the drinking that'll be a trigger. it'll be playing the last note of a take, pulling my headphones off and ...that's usually when Laura says "let's go have a smoke."

Yes, and when you have a little beer-buzz it's impossible to resist. But not if your sober.

[scottfeldstein]

A little beer buzz is how I got through monday and tuesday nights!