I was a smoker for 20 years. I began using ecigarettes 4 months ago (April 2013). My choice of smoke-free product was the mod, as I knew I would miss the ceremony and ‘rush’ of breathing in and out a visible puff of nicotine when I gave up tobacco. I’m still using high strength, but plan to reduce the nicotine content soon. I smoke very little now. When I first got my ecig mod, I switched instantly from the last cigarette in the packet to vaping. I found it incredibley easy to simply not smoke any more. That being said, I have had some tobbacco cigs since. For instance, when I go out drinking and socialising (seldom) I buy a packet of cigarettes, as I did not want to take my bulky mod in case I lost it or it ran out of liquid or battery. I was a little self-concious about my ‘vape face’ (a term I use to describe the contortion of facial muscles used to take the long draw needed for a good puff on a mod). Plus, I enjoy the social aspect of talking to people outside whilst smoking. It just seems easier. Of course, I regret it in the morning when I wake up feeling disgusting due to all the tar, chemicals and smoke in my system. I have smoked occassional regular cigarettes (about 1 – 6 per week) of late, as my ecig mod batteries are diminished and the components are worn out – which leads to a much less satisfying puff. I have just ordered a new kit, so I’ll be back off the smokes soon. Prior to vaping, I have tried going cold-turkey, nicotine patches combined with nicotine-free smoke-free ecigs, Zyban and Champix. The former was more successful when I was younger, but I would creep back into smoking by asking my friends for a puff or a ciggy whilst on a night out, which soon turned into buying a packet. The latter two I was not physiologically or psycologically compatible with. I returned to tobacco about 1 month later in both cases. The patches also made me ‘prickly’ – to the point of being rude. I went back to smoking after 1 day. Since my smoke-free alternative life began, I went from being maxed out at 4 mph and 180 bpm for 20 mins on the eliptical trainer, to cruising at 8 mph with a heart rate of 140 bpm for 40 mins. I have found it easier to sleep at night. I don’t feel disgusting and short of breath. My skin has improved, my teeth and gums are cleaner and healthier and I don’t smell of stale (or fresh) smoke and chemicals. I have more money (which in these credit crunch times is aiding my financial health by allowing me to repay my debts quicker). I have had absolutely no negative side-effects to my health, bank balance or life-style since switching to ecig mods.