I began smoking in 1993, and was up to a pack-and-a-half per day. I had difficulty breathing, couldn’t truly smell or taste anything, and often felt ill. I learned of e-cigs in mid-2010 and for new-years 2011 (01/01/2011) I committed to switching. Since that date I have had maybe 15 standard cigarettes due to either dead batteries or being out of e-liquid. I have saved hundreds of dollars and have enjoyed life more fully that I had previously. My cigarette of choice was menthol full-flavor 100’s (not naming brands). I currently am 5.5-ish years into vaping, and have gradually decreased my nicotine intake. I started at 36mg strength, and about every 6-8 months I lower it. Just last week I dropped to 12mg. I had never tried any other tobacco/nicotine alternative prior (patches/gums/etc.) but I did have the desire to quit, but my addiction was as much oral-fixation as it was nicotine. The first few weeks were the worst, I felt ill still but was determined to be smoke-free. Within a month breathing was easier, and I could actually climb a flight of stairs without being winded or having to stop. At around 6-months I realized food tasted better and I could smell things that I never noticed before (even if that meant stinky teenagers). I also remember the day my youngest daughter sat in my lap and said she was happy that I didn’t smell like yucky smoke anymore (I even got teary-eyed). I have been able to be a more fun and active parent for my 4 kids since I switched. We’ve gone hiking and walking/riding more than ever and had a lot of fun that I most certainly would not have done if I were still smoking. I feel that I have more to live for since my quality of life has been so greatly increased with the development and evolution of the vaping industry. I often pray that the government doesn’t do anything to hinder my method of gradually improving my life, and give thanks to organizations like CASAA for having our backs. Keep Calm and Vape On!