I started smoking at the age of 25 and continued to do so for 25 years. I tried to quit at least 6 times in those 25 years. I tried cold turkey, which was an abysmal failure, nicotine gum and patches, which I continued to smoke while using and at my doctor’s urging, I tried Wellbutrin, which was as successful as the other methods. I continued smoking throughout. Then I heard about this new thing called electronic cigarettes which supply the nicotine without all the other garbage that goes part-and-parcel with smoking. No toxic chemicals or gasses, no tar. I thought Well, it certainly can’t be worse than smoking and at the very least I won’t stink.. I started with those realistic e-cigarettes; the little things you buy at the corner convenience store and immediately saw promise. I was getting the nicotine I needed, but the batteries needed constant charging and the nicotine cartridges didn’t last long. To me, they seemed a bit too much of a hassle. Then I found the larger mod type systems with batteries that last for days and simpler, less expensive refill options. Plus, they handle and appear nothing like real cigarettes, interrupting the hand-to-mouth reflex I had established by smoking. I could buy my nicotine containing juice in various strengths and even different flavors, further separating e-cigarettes from actual smoking. I find the reflex and taste related habits to be gone. I gave my last pack of cigarettes to a homeless man and have never looked back. That was more than 3 years ago and I can breathe again, my clothes and hair no longer stink and I don’t have to go outside to get my nicotine fix. No one I know is offended by my using e-cigarettes. I started at 24 mg/ml strength and have since reduced to 15 mg/ml. Using e-cigs costs less. I spend about $100 every 6 months as opposed to buying 2 packs of cigarettes per day at $5 per pack. Let’s do the math: $10/day x 365= $3650/year versus $200/year with e-cigs. Wow. $3450 saved every year. Best choice I ever made. Improved health, improved esthetics and improved wealth make e-cigarettes the only viable alternative to smoking for me.