Giving up cigarettes is hard not just because of nicotine addiction, but also because many smokers have firmly attached their smoking to certain rituals, events and times of day. At the end of a meal, while talking on the phone or during social occasions, smokers may find themselves reaching for a cigarette. Many stop-smoking devices are on the market, and you may have to try several before finding one that works. The electronic cigarette method is intended to help you quit without having to rethink your rituals and habits.
Step 1
Choose the level of nicotine you want to use. Electronic cigarettes use cartridges or nicotine liquids that allow you customize your nicotine levels from strong to no nicotine at all. Keep in mind that while no comprehensive studies have been done as of 2010, the FDA has expressed concerns that the nicotine mist inhaled through the electronic cigarette may be harmful.
Step 2
Read the user's manual to see how long the battery must be charged before you begin using your electronic cigarette. Six to eight hours is typical.
Step 3
Assemble your electronic cigarette according to the instructions in the user's manual. For the most part, assembly consists of snapping or screwing parts together, though the specifics will vary from one brand to the next. Pay attention to any diagrams to make sure you have all the pieces facing in the right directions.
Step 4
Wipe down your electronic cigarette with a damp paper towel before using it for the first time to clean off factory dust.
Step 5
Choose one cigarette a day to replace with the electronic cigarette---your after-dinner smoke, for example. After a week or so, replace an additional daily cigarette. Be consistent in exchanging one real cigarette for the electronic one every week until you are using only the electronic cigarette.
Step 6
Decrease the amount of nicotine until you aren't using any at all. Do this one cigarette at a time, over a period of several months, so you won't go through physical withdrawal.
Step 7
Replace the habitual "smoking" of electronic cigarettes with other activities. Take the dog for a walk instead of "smoking" after dinner, for example. Or, when the phone rings, reach for a pencil and pad to doodle with instead of reaching for the electronic cigarette.
Tips and Warnings
- Clean your electronic cigarette at the end of the day by wiping it down with a damp paper towel.
- Keep electronic cigarettes away from children. Reduce the amount of nicotine you're using as quickly as you can tolerate, because studies have not proven the nicotine in electronic cigarettes to be safe.
Things You'll Need
- Electronic cigarette starter pack
- Refill cartridges or nicotine liquid
- Paper towels
