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No question in my mind that part of the addiction of smoking is the ritual associated with it. Step outside, fiddle with your hands, deep breathe for ten minutes, be left alone and have some time to relax. Sounds almost like meditation, no? So I’ve asked patients to use e-cigs to help them stop smoking with some success. It’s even better when you have them go to a smoke shop and over time reduce the nicotine in the juice they use, so now you can taper the dose over time, just like you would with nicotine gum.

Love your take on this. Thanks for the article.

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“No, you succeeded in reducing your risk. And you can do it again, if you are ready to try.”

👍I use a similar motivation when counseling those starting Chantix/Champix aka Canadian

On day 7-10 post starting Rx there is no need to "quit".

1st if the client has a cigarette it can be viewed as failure.

Remedy, my recommendation pick a date (goal orientation) on that day take 5 cigarettes from what ever you smoke.

After 2-3 days remove another 5 (total 10), don't be harsh on yourself If you go find an extra cigarette.

Every day you smoke less is a win!

It is not when you quit (long game) the goal is to quit some day. It's rare I encounter a 1st "quitter". My goal is simply logic, enable the smoker to succeed in increments.

Most, former smokers achieved their goal after several attempts.

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Any comparisons of e-cigs with patches re cessation? They also deliver nicotine - but of course don't expose the user to public awareness. And as Jay points out, the ritual is a big part of the addiction.

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Taken from the New York Times

21 June 2024

5 Things Dentists Hate

Vaping

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. But there is a “widespread misconception” that vaping is safer, Dr. Nguyen said. One reason, she suggested, is that there are fewer studies on the newer habit.

But when you vape, you’re still inhaling nicotine, Dr. Nguyen said, as well as other chemicals. Nicotine has been shown to cause an increase in bacteria and plaque in your mouth, and a 2020 study found that subjects who vaped had less healthy oral microbiomes than people who never smoked.

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This is off subject, but I’m curious about your masking choices post-COVID.

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