Unlike paper cigarettes and heated cigarettes, electronic cigarettes do not contain nicotine or tar, making them an effective smoking cessation aid. Here we will explain the advantages of using e-cigarettes for the purpose of smoking cessation.

Relieves the loneliness of the mouth when quitting smoking

The most common problem when quitting smoking is nicotine withdrawal symptoms. E-cigarettes do not contain chemicals that suppress these symptoms, and their effectiveness for smoking cessation has not been medically proven. However, e-cigarettes are often used to relieve the desire to smoke and loneliness caused by the smoking habit. Many people have successfully quit smoking or reduced smoking by using e-cigarettes alone or in combination with smoking cessation aids. Therefore, the use of e-cigarettes can be an effective option for those who are serious about quitting smoking. In many cases, people who smoke e-cigarettes for the purpose of quitting smoking feel that the throat stimulation (kick) is insufficient, so menthol-based liquids that provide throat stimulation are recommended. Menthol-based liquids are especially popular with people who originally smoked menthol-based cigarettes because they feel less discomfort.

It saves money.

Although it is difficult to generalize because it depends on how you smoke, the running cost of e-cigarettes tends to be less when converted to the amount of paper cigarettes smoked. Thus, using e-cigarettes to quit smoking is likely to save money. The cost of one e-cigarette liquid is around 700 yen, which is equivalent to 3-5 boxes of cigarettes, or 60-100 cigarettes in terms of number of cigarettes. ～The cost of a liquid e-cigarette is only 4,200 yen, while a paper cigarette costs between 12,000 and 15,000 yen. Even taking into account the initial investment and the cost of replacing the atomizer, this is a significant cost reduction.

Comparison of e-cigarettes and smoking cessation aid items

Due in part to the smoking cessation boom, sales of products related to smoking cessation aids are increasing in addition to e-cigarettes. People who plan to quit smoking want to know which smoking cessation method is best for them. Here, we will compare the features of e-cigarettes and smoking cessation aid items and explain how to obtain them.

Smoking cessation aids

Varenicline (brand name Champix) is used in Japan as an oral medication to help people quit smoking. Smoking cessation aids have the effect of blocking nicotinic receptors, and while taking the drug, they make cigarettes seem less tasty and decrease the desire to smoke. Basically, they are not available over-the-counter at drugstores and cannot be obtained except by prescription from a medical institution, such as a smoking cessation clinic. The cost to quit smoking using a smoking cessation aid is about 18,000 yen for 12 weeks (about 3 months), including the cost of 5 office visits. When considered at 6,000 yen per month, this is less than the cost of 30 packs of cigarettes each month.

Electronic Cigarette Vape

E-cigarettes made by different vape manufacturers are a smoking cessation item in which propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, which are safe and used as food additives, are converted into vapor and smoked like cigarettes to enjoy their flavors. The sale of nicotine-containing liquids in Japan is not permitted under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, and since they do not produce harmful ingredients such as tar and carbon monoxide, they do not have the disadvantages of nicotine addiction or passive smoking damage. In addition to specialty e-cigarette stores, they are also available through online shopping and convenience stores, etc. The amount of liquid equivalent to one pack of paper cigarettes per day, or 30 boxes per month pace, is 30 ml, and the cost is approximately 2,000 yen.

Nicotine patch

The nicotine patch is a readily available smoking cessation aid. Nicotine-containing stickers are applied to the waist, arms, or other parts of the body that are hidden by clothing, and nicotine is ingested through the skin to suppress nicotine withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. Note that using other smoking cessation aids or smoking while using the nicotine patch will result in an overdose of nicotine. In addition, because it is a sticky seal, it is not suitable for people with skin rashes. Nicotine patches in larger doses require a prescription from a medical institution, but smaller ones can be purchased over-the-counter for about 400-500 yen per patch.

Nicotine gum

Nicotine gum, as the name suggests, is a gum containing nicotine. By chewing nicotine gum, smokers can ingest nicotine and develop the habit of quitting smoking while suppressing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It is a relatively easy way to quit smoking because it simultaneously eliminates the loneliness of the mouth during smoking cessation. It is easily available at drugstores and online retailers. Prices vary depending on the product and how it is obtained, but each piece of gum costs about 50 to 100 yen. Although more expensive than regular gum, it is a reasonably priced and easy-to-obtain smoking cessation item.