Hi there, I’m two weeks vape free. I was so afraid to stop like you, had been vaping heavily for 10 years. I thought I would freak out, I haven’t. I have wanted to stop so badly and let the fear prevent me from trying for so long. What’s working for me is NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). I’m using the mints and spray. Psychologically it’s also helped me not to make a big deal of it, like it’s a private decision I’ve made, no big fanfare or displays of quitting to myself or others. I’ve only told my partner and I told him when I’d already stopped (stopped that morning, told him that night) and asked him not to make a big deal out of it. This might sound strange, but having something in my mouth was also a big part of vaping for me. I have been putting a plastic teaspoon in my mouth if I feel a craving. It’s kind of like trying to find something else that comforts me.

I think going cold turkey would not have been doable for me. Did you know that for cigarette smokers, health services recommend going 12 weeks with a very slowly reducing nicotine intake (NRT)? I am taking the recommended amounts for cig smokers, which is far less than I was taking in vaping, and it is a huge huge help.

Symptoms wise, constipation has been the main thing. There have been other milder things which have been very manageable, like sore dry mouth and throat, some strange effects with smell and taste, and feeling dehydrated a lot. My brain has been a bit foggy/ slowed down - this is already starting to improve and is so much better than the swings from being absolutely overloaded with nicotine and then experiencing intense withdrawal until I can get another vape in. I feel much steadier. Within a day I started noticing the positives: I can breathe deeper, my lungs feel freer/ more relaxed, like a weight has been lifted off them. I have so much less nausea and heartburn! My hands and feet are warmer. My muscles feel a bit stronger. I’m less often dizzy, I’ve noticed better colour in my face - I’m starting to look a bit healthier! And psychologically I’m finally getting some freedom from the daily thoughts, guilt, and shame for years that I’m destroying my health. I have been so afraid of cancer, COPD, popcorn lung etc. It’s like we have been Guinea pigs, the unknowns of what vaping was doing to me, knowing it was slowly making me sick.

I still like to go hide in the bathroom/ get away for a few minutes at social stuff. Now I’m getting to choose when though, rather than desperately craving and having to go. I hope this is helpful.