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How Addictive are E-Cigarettes?
For many years, smokers have had it drummed into them just how addictive their habit is:
[caption id="attachment_364" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Example message: Smoking is highly addictive[/caption]
This always struck me as a rather foolish message to existing smokers (especially the one above where the message is on an actual packet therefore marketing to existing smokers). It's a self-fulfilling prophecy - The more we're told smoking is addictive, surely the more we will convince ourselves we're addicted? I came to the conclusion that the tobacco companies were probably quite happy with this narrative.
Are e-cigarettes as addictive as smoking?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and I have not researched this topic, these are merely my views based on a my own logic...
Due to the healthier nature of e-cigarettes the consumer needs to be aware that by making the switch to ecigs they are not actually quitting smoking and they are not actually ridding themselves of their nicotine addiction. However, the 'nicotine is highly addictive' narrative is less drummed into vapers since they are seen to be doing themselves less harm, so it's not as big a deal to point out. The same applies to coffee - it's addictive, but since it's not all that harmful to us, there is no real need to make the consumer aware (eg in big letters on the packaging) that they are consuming something addictive.
If looking to quit smoking, a switch to e-cigarettes not only breaks the smoking cycle, it also takes the smoker away from that constant narrative "smoking is highly addictive", which to me may as well read "Smoking is so addictive that you may as well not even try quitting".
I smoked for many years, but I always refused to tell myself I was addicted. Ok, after a glass or two of wine, this was not always easy, but I always preferred to tell myself that I was in the habit of smoking, but I wasn't addicted. Habits are easier to break than addictions.
Lenny's Conclusion:
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, just like cigarettes, and as such are addictive. However, the 'you're an addict' messages decrease the moment you make the switch, so are likely to have a great psychological effect on you and give you a greater chance of moving away from needing nicotine.
Hey, it's just a theory, but I'm sticking to it... I would very much welcome your comments below...
Example message: Smoking is highly addictive[/caption]
This always struck me as a rather foolish message to existing smokers (especially the one above where the message is on an actual packet therefore marketing to existing smokers). It's a self-fulfilling prophecy - The more we're told smoking is addictive, surely the more we will convince ourselves we're addicted? I came to the conclusion that the tobacco companies were probably quite happy with this narrative.
Are e-cigarettes as addictive as smoking?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and I have not researched this topic, these are merely my views based on a my own logic...
Due to the healthier nature of e-cigarettes the consumer needs to be aware that by making the switch to ecigs they are not actually quitting smoking and they are not actually ridding themselves of their nicotine addiction. However, the 'nicotine is highly addictive' narrative is less drummed into vapers since they are seen to be doing themselves less harm, so it's not as big a deal to point out. The same applies to coffee - it's addictive, but since it's not all that harmful to us, there is no real need to make the consumer aware (eg in big letters on the packaging) that they are consuming something addictive.
If looking to quit smoking, a switch to e-cigarettes not only breaks the smoking cycle, it also takes the smoker away from that constant narrative "smoking is highly addictive", which to me may as well read "Smoking is so addictive that you may as well not even try quitting".
I smoked for many years, but I always refused to tell myself I was addicted. Ok, after a glass or two of wine, this was not always easy, but I always preferred to tell myself that I was in the habit of smoking, but I wasn't addicted. Habits are easier to break than addictions.
Lenny's Conclusion:
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, just like cigarettes, and as such are addictive. However, the 'you're an addict' messages decrease the moment you make the switch, so are likely to have a great psychological effect on you and give you a greater chance of moving away from needing nicotine.
Hey, it's just a theory, but I'm sticking to it... I would very much welcome your comments below...
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