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.
Adri Olivier
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
20
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I decided to quit smoking because my health was deteriorating at a fast pace. When I smoked cigarettes the following happend (but did not want to acknowledge or admit it): waking up in the morning with a wheezing chest followed by chest pain when I inhale/exhale, my nose was permanently closed and yes I coughed all the time, I was tired all the time because of the so called calming agents that cigarettes have, if I go without a cigarette for more than 15 to 20 min I get very cranky and irritable, my clothes, house and car stank ALL the time as well as my breath… And now the awesome part… All of the above is GONE since I started vaping. I can sleep, excercise without gasping for breath (that means I can run again too) I sleep better, wake up happier, my kids actually kiss and hug me again which is the best of all, I can go for long without vaping – not like when I was smoking sigarettes – I don’t have a permanent cough or blocked nose, I can smell and taste things again and vaping costs me less because the juice lasts for almost a month if not more. Vaping hasn’t just changed my life but my kids lives too and this is one action/decision that I am extremely proud of.
Date Uploaded: 20221101
Cherise Malan
Age:
28
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
13
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I started vaping as the cigarette smoking was making me sick and it stinks very bad. The cigarette ban and cigarette price extortion also played a part, I won’t lie. My brother is very passionate about vaping so he helped me with the right kind of setup and flavours to help me quit cigarette smoking. After about a few months I bought my own setup and started to get the hang of it and have never looked back since. My sense of smell and taste is much better, as a foodie this was a very important part. I started feeling healthier in general. I also have very bad sinus problems since I was a kid which helped alot with that too.
Date Uploaded: 20220118
Eric Burger
Age:
39
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
23
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Sweets/Candy
*Vaping saved my lie I don’t suffer from shortness of breath like I used to with smoking*
Date Uploaded: 20200624
Janine Mitchley
Age:
42
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
18
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I suffered from hyper tention and smoking it wasnt making it any better. I was advised by a doctor to quite smoking and take up vaping instead.. today I barely have to take my meds to keep my blood pressure normal and on top of that more active and energetic. Vaping has truly saved my life and has given me the chance to see my kid’s grow older.
Date Uploaded: 20210220
Rian Groenewald
Age:
48
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
30
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Fruit
Date Uploaded: 20230714
Chris Fouris
Age:
36
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
18
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Tobacco
Since vaping , I started smoking less and less. The sensation is different. At 1st the craving for nicotine is strong. Not having that tabaco smell, I could smoke less and lighter just to entertain the habit
Date Uploaded: 20220118
Desiree Van Deventer
Age:
44
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
27
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Fruit
I am able to breathe easier I can smell better I can taste better, I used to get bronchitis often since I started vaping a year ago, I haven’t had bronchitis at all’
Date Uploaded: 20200624
Shivesh Baijnath
Age:
28
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
7
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Drinks
1 feel healthier small better and don’t have a smokers cough anymore:
Date Uploaded: 20200703