Vapouround magazine Issue 05 | Page 102

F E AT U R E DIARY OF A VAPER w i th A l e x Trott his feature usually focuses on full-time vapers who have given up smoking for good. What about those who are on the journey from smoking into vaping? What about those who are fighting the good fight, and are actively trying to quit smoking, whilst still under the addictive influence of tobacco? Responding to your numerous messages of wanting to read about vapers who are also smokers, we caught up with a dual vaper and smoker Alex Trott. Here is Alex’s story. My name is Alex Trott and I’m a General Manager at Yo! Sushi in Derby. I am what you’d call a dual vaper-smoker. On average, I smoke around 5 cigarettes a day, and pick up my mod to vape around twice as much. I think it’s important to inform others about the steady progress from smoking to vaping, because that’s what it is – a steady journey. My ideal goal is to become tobacco free – that is, zero traditional tobacco cigarettes, and I’m finding vaping is helping me with this. Vaping is a great way to wean yourself of cigarettes, and I’m finding it easier than I thought. I wanted to quit smoking because of obvious health reasons. I’ve tried to quit for a few years now, especially with pressure from friends and family. I’m finding I like smoking less and less, as if I’m losing enjoyment. What I do know, is that I’ve been smoking for around 14 years, and I need to stop soon. I found out about vaping when I was house-sharing a few years ago. My flat-mate at the time had a large, boxy vaporiser, which I think cost around £150. I researched vaping for a good T 102 ISSUE 05 VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE few weeks before deciding anything, speaking to vapers and vaping stores along the way. I soon bought my first starter kit for around £30 which lasted me over a year. My Assistant Manager at Yo! Sushi vapes too, and he recommended VIP vapes. Their customer service is second to none, and their product range is extensive too. Of course I was always a little wary about vaping – there are so many horror stories out there. “ O f co u rse I wa s a lways a l i t t l e wa r y a bou t va p i n g – t h ere a re so m a ny h o rror stori es ou t t h ere. Wi t h m o re e v iden ce a n d st u di es b ei n g relea sed t h at va p i n g i s t h e h ea lt h i er a lte r n at ive to smok i n g, I felt i t wa s wo rt h t r yi n g va p i n g, i n a seri ou s at temp t to qu i t smoki n g.” With more evidence and studies being released that vaping is the healthier alternative to smoking, I felt it was worth trying vaping, in a serious attempt to quit smoking. I started off on 24mg nicotine strength; this decreased over time to 16mg. Now, I’m on 8mg. My ideal scenario is to be on zero nicotine and quit vaping altogether, but in the meantime, if I’m smoking less, it can only be a good thing. I’m currently vaping Pink Lemonade on my TECC mod, which I’m finding user-friendly and portable. I also usually add around an eighth of menthol to my e-liquids, to give it a minty edge. Now when I smoke, I’m already regretting it after a few drags. Smoking is a habit, and one which I’m trying to break. The second half of a cigarette is never that nice, and I think it’s only a matter of time before the first half a cigarette is off-putting to me too. In comparison, when I vape, I enjoy tasting the different flavours and I know I’m taking steps in the right direction to a healthier me. I have also found that I’m less out of breath. I do feel healthier and less wheezy in morning. To those of you out there who are thinking of vaping, do your research and take the plunge. Go to your local vape store, ask questions. If in doubt, ask some more. My experience, and those of vaping friends, is that these vape stores are very helpful. They’ll explain the different starter kits available, and recommend vape gear to suit your needs. Good luck!