People hooked on vapes try a new way to quit: cigarettes
Some people addicted to vaping are reportedly turning to traditional cigarettes as a way to quit, arguing that the harsher smoke, social stigma, and finite “start–end” of a cigarette make it easier to control and taper use than an always-available vape. Commenters counter that this is a dangerous trade, stressing that burning tobacco is far more harmful and often more addictive, and instead describe success with approaches like gradually reducing vape nicotine levels, switching to nicotine-free products, patches, or medications such as Chantix. Throughout, many emphasize that the hardest part of quitting is not just physical dependence on nicotine but the ingrained rituals and psychological cues around smoking and vaping.
Overall sentiment on “quitting vaping with cigarettes”
- Many commenters call the idea “the worst” and/or “fake news,” arguing cigarettes are more harmful and often more addictive than vapes.
- A minority suggest there is at least a logic to it: cigarettes have more friction (smell, cost, going outside, finite stick) and can be easier to dose and taper than continuous vaping.
Addiction dynamics: vaping vs. smoking
- Vaping seen as:
- Easier to overuse due to smoothness, flavors, indoor use, and lack of clear “end” to a dose.
- Socially more tolerated, leading to near-constant use for some.
- Cigarettes seen as:
- Stronger addiction due to smoke chemistry (MAOIs) and harshness, but with natural limits (irritation, cost, going outside, finite sticks).
- Several anecdotes: quitting cigarettes via vaping was “comically easier;” quitting vaping afterward ranged from easy to extremely hard.
Nicotine itself vs. smoke and delivery method
- Recurring claim: main health harm is from smoke and combustion, not nicotine.
- Counterpoint: nicotine may also promote tumor growth and reduce efficacy of cancer treatments (from lab/animal studies, per one commenter).
- Agreement that addictive potential depends heavily on delivery speed and associated rituals:
- Patches: slow, relatively low addiction risk; many report them as effective and “boring.”
- Vapes: medium; cigarettes: high.
Quitting strategies described
- Gradual nicotine tapering in refillable vapes, down to 0%, then stopping.
- Switching from vape to nicotine gum, then stretching intervals and stopping.
- Patches as primary tool; some used them after quitting vaping or smoking.
- Prescription drug (Chantix) praised by several as unusually effective, but with notable side effects.
- Some used snus or very low‑nicotine cigarettes as stepping stones.
- Strong emphasis on the psychological/ritual side; books and mental reframing mentioned as critical.
Nicotine for ADHD and cognition
- Multiple participants report using nicotine patches as an informal ADHD treatment or focus aid, describing good results and low perceived addiction via patches.
- Others warn: nicotine is highly addictive in general; evidence for cognitive benefits outside anecdotes is described as weak or small.
Other themes
- 0% nicotine e-liquids and nicotine‑free vapes are real and used both to address “oral fixation” and as step-down tools.
- Frustration that regulation and market trends favor disposable, high‑nicotine vapes that make tapering harder.
- Several long-term smokers and ex‑smokers share serious health consequences and difficult withdrawal, but also strong benefits after quitting.