Accidental Quitting

by Jemma Wolfe
Accidental Quitting: Is it Real?

Accidental Quitting: Is it Real?

Ever since their inception back in 2003, e-cigarette shave been designed and marketed as smoking cessation aids for those trying to quit their smoking habit for good. Despite being made for this specific purpose, it’s recently been revealed that many people begin using e-cigarettes with no desire to quit smoking. While this may seem counter-productive, it turns out that a large percentage of these people actually did quit smoking. This phenomenon is known as accidental quitting.

But how prevalent is accidental quitting? And why does it happen? That’s what we’re here to find out. In this blog, we’ll explore how accidental quitting happens, how common it is, and whether or not partial quitting can be effective. Let’s dive right in.

What is Accidental Quitting?

What is Accidental Quitting?

The term ‘accidental quitting’ was first coined by members of the vaping community to describe people who turned to vaping with no intention of quitting their smoking habit but ended up doing just that. While research has shown that vaping has outperformed nicotine replacement therapy as one of the most effective aids for quitting, accidental quitting is more challenging to verify because, as the name suggests, it happens unintentionally.

Why do people accidentally quit smoking?

Why do people accidentally quit smoking?

Although accidental quitting is notoriously difficult to measure, we’re still able to pinpoint specific reasons why someone may become an accidental quitter. For example, some people may be curious to find out what vaping feels like, with no intention of quitting smoking, but subsequently phase out their use of cigarettes in favour of a vape kit.

Alternatively, some people may turn to vaping if they don’t want to smoke inside their home but still want to curb their nicotine cravings while indoors. This can quickly lead to a vaping habit that eventually replaces their need for cigarettes. Some people also turn to an e-cigarette for locations or specific events where smoking isn’t permitted but continue to use the e-cigarette regularly when they return.

How common is Accidental Quitting?

How common is Accidental Quitting?

Accidental quitting is probably more common than you’d first think, with many vapers adopting the name and referring to themselves as accidental quitters. Although it’s difficult to measure just how prevalent this phenomenon is, a recent study recognised the connection and decided to dig deeper.

This peer-reviewed study comes from research scientists in the Department of Health Behavior at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, with the goal of exploring the link between regular vaping and accidental quitting. They worked with 1,600 individuals who had no intention to quit smoking, and the results were astounding.

The study revealed that 28% of the participants using e-cigarettes regularly stopped smoking within 12 months, whereas just 6% of non-vaping participants managed to kick their smoking habit. This proved that smokers who used vaping products on a daily basis were four times more likely to quit smoking than those who didn’t use vaping products.

What is Dual Use?

What is Dual Use?

Dual use, also sometimes referred to as partial switching, is when a smoker begins vaping but doesn’t completely cut out the use of cigarettes. This may be because the smoker is trying to cut down on the number of cigarettes they smoke daily, or they may simply be using an e-cigarette in places where smoking cigarettes isn’t permitted.

Is Partial Switching worth it?

Is Partial Switching worth it?

As partial switching involves still smoking cigarettes on a regular basis, albeit less than users usually would, it’s important to note that it still poses a risk to your health. Although cutting down on your use of cigarettes is an achievement in itself, you’re still exposing yourself to tobacco-specific carcinogens and the best way to safeguard your health would involve cutting out cigarettes completely.

Nevertheless, partial switching does have its benefits. Studies have shown that dual users often experience improvements in their respiratory systems, and this is likely due to the reduction of carcinogens being inhaled. So, while it’s tempting to beat yourself up about not being able to quit cigarettes entirely, partial switching is still a great first step on your way to a successful quit smoking journey.

Partial switching could even be the key to helping you quit in the long run, as a recent survey found that smokers who use an e-cigarette daily are more likely to attempt to quit smoking. Gradually replacing your cigarette use with regular e-cigarette use could also increase your self-esteem and sense of achievement, providing you with much-needed encouragement to ditch the cigs for good.

Quit Smoking Support at myCigara

Here at myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. By offering vaping as a viable method for eventually quitting nicotine entirely, we hope to help our customers live a healthier, happier life.

It’s no secret that smoking is detrimental to your health and switching to vaping significantly reduces the risks posed by smoking cigarettes. Whether you’re just starting out on your quit smoking journey, or currently a dual-user and want to find out more about the benefits of quitting, be sure to check out our Stop Smoking Timeline and Quit Smoking For A Healthier Lifestyle blogs to kickstart your journey today.

If you’re still not sure if vaping is the right solution for you, head to our facts & stats page to check out up-to-date info on why we think vaping is the better choice. Alternatively, read through our blog: is vaping safe?to find out everything you need to know about the nation’s most popular smoking cessation aid.

You can also get in touch with us if you have any questions, or head into your nearest myCigara Vape Shop for a friendly chat with our expert store staff.

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