Anyone use or try electronic cigarette?

[simplechamp]

So I've been struggling with the whole quitting smoking thing for years now. Started smoking when I was 17 and am turning 25 this month, so about 8 years (luckily that's relatively short compared to some). Tried cold turkey, gum, etc. and I usually make it a week or so but always go back. Anyway, the final straw was on May 1st Michigan went to a smoke-free policy in all bars, restaurants, and other indoor venues. I decided it's time to give it another shot.

Not so coincidentally a little shop opened up in my town selling those electric cigs not too long ago. It caught my attention driving by one day so I went in and asked a few questions, then went home to do some research. Basically, the electronic cigs are a battery (li-ion) and a little atomizer coil that heats up. It heats up and vaporizes propylene glycol (infused with nicotine and flavor) that is in a little cartridge. The cartridge contains some type of foam or batting that acts as a wick and keeps the PG from dripping out.

So I decided what the heck, what do I have to lose, and picked up a kit. I have to say so far I'm impressed. It definitely IS NOT the same as smoking real cigarettes, but is about as close as you can get. The taste isn't very close, but the tactile feel of dragging on it and feel of inhaling is pretty darn close. I haven't had a real cig since I bought the electronic one 5 days ago, which is not such a big deal, but the bigger deal is I haven't even WANTED a real cig. Like I said I've went a week or even longer on previous quit attempts, but I was craving cigs badly the whole time until I finally gave in, now I'm not at all.

My limited experience so far has been pretty encouraging. I know it's just substituting one method of getting nicotine for another, but at least the smoke and tar and other thousands of chemicals are gone, and I don't smell like an ashtray. The goal is to hopefully wean down off this over the next few months, as they make the little refill carts in different strengths, all the way down to no nicotine at all. Cost wise the e-cig is far cheaper than regular cigs, less than half the cost for the equivalent of a pack.

So we'll see what happens over the next few weeks. I'll report back after I've tried it for longer. Anyone else who has experience with these please share your experience or opinions.

P.S. I won't recommend anyone try these electronic cigs. There are still potential health issues related to nicotine even without the smoke. And there is some debate as to whether these electronic cigs are safe or not (and yes, propylene glycol is in antifreeze, but it's not the chemical that makes antifreeze dangerous when ingested). These e-cigs have not yet been evaluated or approved as a smoking cessation aid. Don't take this post as a suggestion to try these, make all decisions based on what you feel is safest for your own health.