I started smoking around age 11. By the time I was in my mid-20’s, I was smoking 1-2 packs a day. I tried quitting several times. I tried the nicotine patch, but I was allergic to the adhesive in the patches and could not continue to use them. I finally quit cold turkey at age 38. I quit for seven years and then started again around Thanksgiving 2011, thinking I could have one or two here or there. By Spring 2013, I was smoking about 3/4 of a pack a day. A friend started using PV’s/ecigs and suggested I try them. I bought a kit the last week of August and had my last cigarette on September 10, 2012. I have not had a single cigarette since I started vaping, nor do I have cravings for them or miss anything about them. In all of my previous quit attempts, the cravings were by far the hardest part of quitting. I am fine with being addicted to nicotine, I’m just so glad to be rid of all the nasty things that went along with it in cigarettes. Within a week of starting to use ecigs, I could breathe easier and was no longer wheezing. My senses of smell and taste returned again. I have had NO withdrawal symptoms, nor have I gained weight (which I did after I had quit cold turkey in 2004). I started vaping at 32mg of nicotine and am now down to 12-18mg. I no longer smell like an ashtray and my clothes don’t stink (in fact, people in my family tell me they LIKE the smell of my vape). The greatest benefit to me of having quit is obviously the health advantages of no longer being a smoker. While I know that ecigs may have their own risks, they are a far, far, FAR better alternative to tobacco cigarettes! My health has improved greatly since I quit smoking and the cost savings are great as well.