In April of 2009 I heard a story on NPR about electronic cigarettes. The tone was largely negative and somewhat trivialized the technology. I had already made numerous attempts to quit smoking with no success, and at that point was willing to try just about anything. The search for an electronic cigarette was on. Why an electronic cigarette? Quite simply because everything else had failed. Patches and gums provided none of the oral fixation, so were largely useless. Prescription Zyban coupled with Nicotrol inhalers actaully helped me to stay smokefree for 7 months a few years back, but it was quite a struggle. Eventually, the cost of the medications coupled with the still remaining urge to smoke had me back onto my 20+ year habit. My latest attempt at quitting had been through hypnosis and support groups. No help there either. Electronic cigarettes were not nearly as common in 2009 and it took me a few days to track down a local man who met me in a parking lot with some. They weren’t great, but I actually cut my cigarette consumption in half! Encouraged, I ordered a better kit online along with some e-liquid. I can honestly say that I smoked my last cigarette about three days after I received the kit in the mail. At first I was still smoking the critical morning, driving and after dinner cigarettes, but soon found that I could replace those with a few puffs on the ecig as well. A 20 year habit had finally been broken. Within a couple of weeks I was breathing better and my sense of taste and smell was returning. I no longer woke up wheezing in the morning. Best of all, my clothes and breath weren’t stinking anymore. Four years later, I am still using an electronic cigarette, but with a very low nicotine content. I am satisfied that the electronic cigarette is much healthier than a traditional cigarette. A recent doctor visit seems to confirm this, as my lung function and all other tests are completely normal. I am thankful that I discovered the electronic cigarette when I did and am certain that I would still be smoking had I not. I enjoy smoking and I always have. The ecig allows me to enjoy a very similar experience without killing myself.