Quitting Smoking: Success Stories

Quit Smoking Stories From Former Smokers

Here at myCigara, many of our team are ex-smokers and have experienced the road to a smoke-free lifestyle for themselves. Both Athina and Jemma are part of the myCigara team, and are here to share their own unique quit smoking journey, how they achieved their goal, the difficulties they faced along the way and some first-hand advice for those just starting out.

Meet the Team

Athina’s Story

Athina was a heavy smoker for 17 years, and after becoming increasingly short of breath and finding exercise and activity more difficult, she knew it was time to stop.

Not only was she determined to make the switch to meet her health and fitness goals, but she wanted to become smoke-free before considering having children in the future. With the help of vaping as a dual user before ditching the cigs completely, over the course of just 2 years, Athina is now officially a non-smoker.

Jemma’s Story

Jemma had been a moderate smoker for almost 6 years, and never imagined living a smoke-free life in the near future.

However, after picking up a disposable vape on a whim and giving it a try, she hasn’t looked back since. Quickly becoming a fan of the variety of flavours on offer and the ability to get her nicotine hit from the comfort of her own home with no lingering smell or secondhand smoke, Jemma used vaping to transition to a smoke-free lifestyle in just 1 year.

What’s The Best Way To Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking may be among the hardest challenges you’ll ever face, but it’s not impossible. It's important to remember that different methods work for different people, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to quitting smoking. However, after much trial and error, our team found that vaping was the key to their success.

Athina’s Story

“For me, vaping is the best way to stop smoking. Quitting smoking successfully requires slow and steady progress, and vaping allows me to do that while still getting my nicotine fix.

Not only does it feel like smoking, but it's free from tar and chemicals. The thing I like most is that I can control how much nicotine I consume and I can gradually reduce it. “

Jemma’s Story

“I tried all sorts of methods before finally finding the one that worked for me. After many failed attempts using lozenges and nicotine gum, I finally decided to give vaping a try, and I haven’t looked back since.

While nicotine gum helped to curb my nicotine cravings, I still felt like something was missing. I soon realised that the hand-to-mouth movement that vaping provides was the answer, as it feels almost identical to smoking a real cigarette.”

What Happens When You Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but it can be a challenging process. One of the most difficult aspects of quitting is dealing with the initial withdrawal symptoms. However, if you can get through this phase, the benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and can have a positive impact on your life. So, what happens when you quit smoking and start vaping? Here’s what our team experienced when they waved goodbye to cigarettes for the first time.

Athina’s Story

“When I decided to quit smoking and started vaping, I knew I needed a strategy. My plan was created by identifying the time I craved smoking most. I had cravings every time I ate, so I vaped all day and smoked 2-3 times a day after every meal.

My habit of smoking 40 cigarettes a day made it challenging at first. Then, as I adjusted my e-liquid nicotine and got used to vaping more and more, the cravings lessened. However, my cravings returned on Friday nights, so I only smoked 2 cigarettes when I went out with friends. The cravings gradually reduced, and from smoking every Friday, I smoked once a month. Overall, I was able to avoid relapsing by allowing myself one cigarette at very specific times.

I can no longer stand the smoke from cigarettes, and I couldn't do this without vaping.”

Jemma’s Story

“I never planned to quit smoking, and I started vaping casually as a dual-user for some time before quitting smoking completely, and this allowed me to avoid many of the negative side-effects.

However, even after making the switch, I still found myself relapsing occasionally when I was around other smokers. I saw this as a sign to increase my nicotine intake, and after switching from 10mg to 20mg nic salts, I no longer struggle with cigarette cravings when around others smoking.

Choosing the right nicotine strength to satiate my cravings was absolutely key to sticking to my quit smoking goals.”

How Long Does It Take To Quit Smoking?

The length of time it takes to quit smoking can vary from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Quitting smoking is a process, and it can take several weeks or months to break the habit and overcome the physical addiction to nicotine.

It's important to note that quitting smoking is not just about overcoming the physical addiction to nicotine. It also involves breaking the habit of smoking, which can be challenging in itself. This may involve changing your routine, finding new ways to cope with stress, and addressing the underlying emotional reasons why you smoke. Here’s what our team had to say:

Athina’s Story

“Being a heavy smoker for 17 years, I knew it would be difficult to quit in a short amount of time. The plan I mentioned above was in place.

I vaped daily, but smoked occasionally, following a specific schedule. I stayed a dual user for almost a year. The day I tried smoking and couldn't bear the taste or smell of it, I knew I had achieved my goal. Ironically, that unpleasant taste, tasted like success.

Something I've enjoyed for years is now causing me to feel the opposite. Everybody's method and quitting smoking journey are different, but the goal is the same.”

Jemma’s Story

“I think it’s important to be flexible with yourself when making a quit-smoking plan.

I have made attempts to quit smoking cold-turkey in the past, and each time I failed. I believe this is because the goal I set myself, although achievable for a lucky few, was totally unrealistic for me and my lifestyle.

I had to learn that quitting smoking wasn’t a quick overnight fix, and that I’d have to be patient with myself and accept that relapses will happen along the way. Everyone’s individual journey is different, so try not to compare yourself to others when you’re just starting out. Baby steps!”

I Quit Smoking, Why Do I Feel Worse?

It's not uncommon to feel worse after quitting smoking, particularly in the first few days or weeks. This is because your body is going through a period of adjustment as it adapts to the absence of nicotine and the other chemicals found in cigarettes. Our team experienced the same feelings when they first ditched the cigs, and here’s what they had to say:

Athina’s Story

“I'll admit, quitting smoking was tough at first. Besides being irritable and depressed, I was extremely hungry, restless, and upset. Additionally, I had trouble sleeping and concentrating.

Honestly, I didn't know I'd have all these symptoms. So, I did a bit of research and found that feeling this way is just a withdrawal reaction, which won't last long. I kept myself busy doing things like gardening, reading, DIY and spending time with my family and friends. Looking back, I don't believe I could have achieved my goal without vaping. .”

Jemma’s Story

“It's important to remember that feeling worse after quitting smoking is temporary and is a sign that your body is healing. It's also important to have a plan in place to deal with the challenges that may arise during the quitting process. This may involve seeking support from friends and family, talking to a healthcare provider, or using nicotine replacement therapy.

With time and support, you can successfully quit smoking and enjoy the many benefits of a smoke-free life.”

I Want To Quit Smoking But I Enjoy It, What Do I Do?

It's not uncommon to enjoy smoking even though you may be aware of the negative health consequences. Smoking can be an enjoyable activity for many people, and the addictive nature of nicotine can make it difficult to quit. However, it's important to understand that the short-term pleasure of smoking comes at a high cost to your health in the long term. This was the case for our team members.

Athina’s Story

“Over the years, I have enjoyed smoking more than anything else. Being a heavy smoker for a long time will eventually lead to your body telling you that if you don't quit, you can't keep up.

Smoking was great, but now I enjoy having easy breathing without shortness of breath. If I ran to catch the train or danced or exercised, I'd be in agony. It turns out I wasn't enjoying smoking as much as I thought, so I had to stop.”

Jemma’s Story

“I never thought I’d give up smoking, as I simply enjoyed it so much.

Nothing came close to the feeling of stepping outside on a night out with friends and having a catch-up over a cigarette in the smoking area. But since switching from smoking to vaping, I can still enjoy these moments and reap the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.”

What Are The Benefits Of Quitting Smoking?

Quitting smoking has numerous benefits for your health, relationships, and finances. Whether you're a current smoker considering quitting or someone who has recently quit, these benefits provide powerful motivation to stay smoke-free and enjoy the many rewards of a healthier, happier life. Here’s what our team found to be the most rewarding parts of their quit smoking journeys:

Athina’s Story

“I never considered quitting for anyone else's benefit, but for my own. In my view, the biggest benefit would be improving my health, not worrying about my savings or what others think.

Vaping has helped me quit smoking. I am now able to run, play with my dog, and exercise without feeling discomfort and short of breath. My cough has gone away, and I recover quickly from illness. Lastly, I'll be able to have a healthy pregnancy without smoking addiction when the time comes”.

Jemma’s Story

“As my partner isn’t a smoker, I started to become more and more self-conscious about how smoking cigarettes would make me smell, as I didn’t want it to affect our relationship.

Since transitioning from smoking to vaping, the biggest benefit for me is not having to douse myself in perfume multiple times a day to ensure I’m smelling fresh. Not only that, but I no longer have to make treacherous late-night trips to the garden for a cigarette, as I’m able to vape from the comfort of my couch!”

Quit Smoking Journey - Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it’s key to remember that quitting smoking is a personal journey, and each individual's experience is unique. The two stories shared in this blog post demonstrate this reality perfectly; while Athina and Jemma’s smoking journeys were far from identical, they both managed to quit smoking successfully and found vaping to be a helpful tool during their transition. Here are some final thoughts from our team:

Athina’s Story

“Quitting smoking is a big life-changing decision, it requires commitment, strength of character, dedication, determination, and patience. While people's methods and schedules may vary, it's important to be in the right mindset and willing to go through withdrawal and the painful process of giving up cigarettes.

To successfully quit smoking, you have to know about the process, the products, the consequences, and set short- and long-term goals. It is easier for someone to stop smoking and transition to vaping if they live in a healthy environment and are surrounded by supportive individuals who do not smoke.

I was fortunate as my partner has been vaping for a long time, and I would not have been able to quit smoking without his help and support.”

Jemma’s Story

“If you’re going to take one thing away from my journey, it should be that it doesn’t always go to plan— and that’s OK! The road to a smoke-free life isn’t always linear, in fact, it rarely is.

In my case, it took lots of trial and error to get to where I am today, but the key is to never stop trying. If I never picked up that first disposable vape, I know for a fact that I’d still be a smoker today.

Be patient with yourself, be flexible with your timeline and most importantly, be realistic with your goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was my path to a smoke-free life.”

Quit Smoking with myCigara

Here at myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. By offering a range of high quality vaping equipment that caters to both beginners and advanced users, we hope to help our customers make that all important first step on their quit smoking journey.

If you’ve never tried vaping before, be sure to check out our New To Vaping blog for a complete rundown of everything a beginner needs to know before they get started.

Considering giving vaping a try but want to find out more before diving right in, check out our blog; A Basic Guide to Vaping to learn more about the different components of e-cigarettes and which vaping style is right for you and your lifestyle. We stock a wide range of vape starter kits, pod devices and e-liquids from popular and trusted brands to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in finding out what other smoking cessation aids could help you along your journey, we stock a great range of vaping alternatives including heat not burn products and nicotine pouches.

If you have any questions or would like further advice, feel free to contact us, or head down to your local myCigara vape store where our friendly expert staff is on hand to help you out.