VAPERS VOICES
Many adult South Africans have used vaping as a method to help them quit smoking and practice tobacco harm reduction.
Since the very beginning, VSML has invited people to share their experiences and what this innovation means to them.
Their stories should not be ignored.
Zuhayr Parker
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
5
Vaping Years:
6
Flavours:
Like more than one type
Suffered from multiple cases of lung infections as well as the discolouring of my teeth and even losing one in the process during my years of smoking Once l made the change over to vaping I’ve not had one issue since. My teeth have regained t health and colour and I’ve never had breathing issues since. Vaping saved my life and my smile.”
Date Uploaded: 20200703
Jason le Ray
Age:
26
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
10
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Drinks
Freedom from smoking and bad habits, I love vaping and the different flavours. Is safer and a lot more fun. It keeps me from ever going back to smoking
Date Uploaded: 20200706
Bryan
Age:
26
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
4
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Fruit
I’m glad I turned to vaping at a young age, every time at a social event we always used to smoke a lot and felt the effects of what smoking did to me the following day. Having turned over to vaping at a young age have saved me from long term tobacco use as it was vaping that helped me quit smoking.
Date Uploaded: 20210408
Mohammed Tayab Ali
Age:
36
Current Smoker:
Yes
Smoking Years:
14
Vaping Years:
25
Flavours:
Breakfast/Bakery
Lynn Reay
Age:
42
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
1
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Fruit
First actually being medical. Believe It or not, nicotine helps my medical condition. I have a very rare autoimmune disease called Behcet’s. One of the many symptoms is that t causes hectic skin ulcers including in the mouth. Nicotine helps more than I can tell you in words. The 2nd because it gives my hands something to hold on to when I am anxious and overwhelmed and lastly it gives me time out when I just need 5 minutes to recollect and think, The last two are because I am a single mom of 2. Vaping truly brings me joy, gives me something to look forward to and helps me medically
Date Uploaded: 20200703
Ruben Fourie
Age:
30
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
14
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
In June 2020 I woke and did not want a cig and took an old vape pen and then got hooked. I can’t stand cig now, and I’m healthier than ever. Smell better, taste better. Feeling fit….but also put on some weight since I quit smoking, but in a good way
Date Uploaded: 20210220
Tiaan Van Der Westhuizen
Age:
28
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
10
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Dessert
I started smoking at the age of 17 and I was a serious smoker of a pack a day and some times more at by the age of 18.During lockdown I had to resort to buying illicit cigarettes that are unregulated and I started noticing a change in health. I was coughing , developed headaches etc. My cousin who had been vaping for years lent me a spare pod device and some Nic-salts he had spare. I immediately quit cigarettes and I don’t look back. I am now a committed vaper and I have lowered my nicotine amount , no headaches or coughing. Vaping saved my life
Date Uploaded: 20220117
Johann Pretorius
Age:
25
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
5
Vaping Years:
6
Flavours:
Fruit
Date Uploaded: 20220115