Samalie0 wrote:hey Snoopy...let me ask a question....
Why is there no "Quit smoking using e-cigs" subforum at the ECF?
Sammy
Hi Sammy,
If its OK with Snoopy, and all of you, I'd like to answer this question from my perspective. I joined here roughly the same time as ECF as I am attempting to use the e-cig, or PV, as a quit method.
ECF is open and able to allow postings for its members/users because it does not claim the device(s) to be an official quit method or health product. It may seem counter-intuitive/productive, but for proper classification of a cessation method all ecigs/PVs and/or nicquid (liquid used in the ecig whether or not containing nicotine) to be pulled off the market entirely for a minimum of 7yrs for proper approval of said method, and would be turned over to either Big Tobacco, or, more likely, Big Pharma. This would, in turn, cause everyone to do one of 2 things:
1) Many would create personal modifications (and many already do) of devices to remain cigarette/pharmaceutical free
1a) Modifications, or "Mods" made by someone can be innovative, but carry a risk. The device may fail (or explode/short...?!) or someone may start mixing liquid substances in unsanitary means or "cut" impure fillers into something that people inhale
2) Most would return to smoking
ECF has a very strong tie to CASAA because that community, [whether or not all members feel that nicotine use constitutes as part of the "quit" - which is not the focus of that community], is focused on promoting an alternate method of smokeless nicotine use. ECF has many suppliers and supporters who promote the devices for this, and a sub-forum stating an intention of "quitting" or any supplier stating that an ecig had any health benefit would threaten the community, since it has been ruled a legal method to use nicotine as a tobacco product, reverting back to the scenario stated above. There are currently supporters and founders of a test to verify air quality of ecig vapor (or byproduct) vs cigarette smoke (or byproduct) ongoing at this time to prove or disprove safety of 2nd hand inhalation. ECF, or even CASAA, does not have the funds for all out testing on cessation method clearances. Neither Big Tobacco nor Big Pharma has any interest in fueling competition and will only fund such if acquired and marketable to do so. "We" hope this not occur as it would drive costs up 5x that of current cessation methods on the market, speculatively speaking.
It is like saying that Vitamin C, labeled as NaturaC - Cold Cure, bottled and labeled by Company X is a cure for the common cold. Company X would be immediately shut down for testing of the NaturaC drug and cure claims. It CAN be marketed, instead, as a vitamin and sold over the counter as an herbal supplement without further investigation. Oversimplified example, but the general jist of the situation.
Many ecig users are not members of ECF, have never heard any of the PV lingo, and do not seek out forums. Most buy a gas station cheapy and may or may not give up after a few weeks/days/hours and decide that cigarettes are better, and/or found an alternate quit method. For many of ECF members "vaping" has become a hobby, and certainly for many, a way of life. For me, personally, I'm attempting to step down my nicotine to get to zero, and actively attesting to my current experience with ecigs to my friends and family. I am here on a quit board to learn of others who are focused on doing just that, getting to 0 nicotine. I am allowed to post here my individual experience/thoughts/research/advice on this since I am A) not a supplier, B) unrelated in any way/shape/form to any supplier/promoter, and C) not a doctor/physician/medical or technical expert in way of offering any type of diagnosis or expert advice--just a person on a quit board looking for info/offering personal experience and opinion on quitting.
I realize that this sub-forum here has caused much grief, and it saddens me to see that there are people here who feel that this board threatens their quit. I would not wish my worst enemy to be addicted to cigarettes, much less flip a quit. I acknowledge the pitfalls of ecigs, and how even this can be addicting since there is a new flavor, vendor, device, modification out every week, if not every day! It is a scary world to be a part of in many ways, but there are also some of "me" out there who are reading boards like this religiously looking for someone else's step down method, someone else's story or success or failure to learn how to find our quit path from 1) the smoke, 2) the chemical, 3) the physical "hand to mouth/smoke-vapor feel" and 4) emotional addictions.
If you are here, still reading this post, and are quit, then you are either struggling with #4, or you are empathizing and offering support because you are emotionally invested, and for either I thank you for being part of MY journey.
For those of you not quit and reading, I wish you luck on your quit, and hope we can help and support each other on our paths.
unless someone asks a direct question about them. Then, answer the question, don't try to tell anyone that nicotine can be good, blah blah blah, and don't be baited into the fights. You WILL gain acceptance here if you follow that route.
