Nicotine Replacement Therapies: E-Cigarettes

The majority of people who smoke cigarettes are addicted, not to the cigarettes themselves, but to the nicotine they contain. However, while nicotine addiction is dangerous, it’s the combustion of tobacco, along with the chemicals, carcinogens and tar, that is the main problem.

This means that those unable to quit completely are increasingly turning to other therapies to help them along the way. With an estimated 3 million adults in Great Briton currently using e-cigarettes, they’re becoming a hugely popular nicotine replacement therapy.

What are e-cigarettes and how do they work?

An alternative to cigarettes or any form of smoked tobacco, an e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that converts liquid nicotine into a vapour or mist, which is then inhaled. E-cigarettes work much like a standard cigarette, but contain none of the harmful, and dangerous, chemicals or substances.

An e-cigarette is made up of three parts - a rechargeable lithium battery, a vaporisation chamber and a cartridge for the mouthpiece. The e-liquid is dripped into the vaporisation chamber and, when the e-cigarette is turned on or the user takes a drag, this liquid is heated by the battery to create a mist.

How do I know which e-liquid I need?

Much like any other form of NRT, when it comes time to purchase an e-liquid, or e-juice, you need to first figure out what strength of nicotine you require. Typically, e-liquid is available in a range of different strengths - 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24mg – and the more you smoke, the higher the nicotine strength you will need.

Here’s a simple guide:

1-5 cigarettes a day:        3-6mg

5-15 cigarettes a day:     12mg

15-20 cigarettes a day:   18mg

20+ cigarettes a day:       24mg

Please remember that everyone is different, and you may need a higher, or lower, dose of nicotine to satisfy your cravings.

Is e-cigarette vapour harmful to others?

Considerably safer than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarette vapour is not harmful to others, as it does not contain any tar or other harmful substances. In fact, e-liquid is generally made up of nicotine, glycol or glycerine and flavourings, and all that is exhaled is aerosol.

For more information, or to meet with a stop smoking advisor today, why not give Yorkshire Smokefree a call? Our experts are on hand to help you throughout your journey with additional support and guidance where you need it. Call us today on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles).