Electronic Cigarettes V. Tobacco

Can they really replace cigarettes?

The main question that most e-smokers ask before trying their first e-cigarette is "is it as satisfying for a smoker as a tobacco?"

Well, I can only answer this one from personal experience but I must say that most e-smokers I have spoken to pretty much agree:

When you first get your hands on an e-cig, you will probably try to smoke it as you would a cigarette. I certainly did!

In fact, e-smoking requires a slightly different technique, more akin to pipe smoking. Don't worry though, it's not hard and you will get it PDQ.

The main thing is that you do get the "hit". The sensation of the nicotine hitting the lungs is pretty much identical to cigarettes. And afterwards, you don't have the soreness that accompanies smoking a cigarette - although some do experience a slight dryness that passes quickly.

If you've ever quit smoking before - you will have noticed the incredible strength of the smell of stale tobacco given off by smokers. Well, it's no different when you are e-smoking. The reason is, I guess, that when you are smoking you just get used to the smell. With e-cigs, since you are not inhaling all the oxidized organic compounds, you don't get the same immunity.

The point is that if you then smoke a real cigarette, it will taste vile! I mean, really vile - worse than when you start again after quitting, because you are not getting the rush of nicotine to compensate for the taste.

If you've ever read Alan Carr's easyway to quit, you'll remember that he encourages you to really focus on the taste of the cigarette as you smoke it. And as you do, you realize that it is horrible!

Well, there is no such bad taste with an e-cigarette. In fact, some of the flavors you can get are quit pleasant - although I wouldn't say they had the nose of a fine wine or anything!

All in all I found that e-cigarettes replaced my tobacco usage entirely. well, almost - the obvious problem is one that you'll almost certainly have experienced with your cellphone.......

Yes, since it is battery powered, you do run the risk of being without - and finding yourself picking up a pack of cigarettes.

I now have three spare batteries so I don't have that problem, but to start with I only had the two which, whilst fine for daily use, weren't enough for the rigors of a long night out (or was it just that everyone kept wanting try it?!).