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.
Michael Powell
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
15
Vaping Years:
5
Flavours:
Fruit
Vaping isn’t an alternative for me, I see it as a way forward to a healthier society I sleep better and don’t have
a cough or phlegm. My lungs don’t feel tight. I can breathe with ease again
Date Uploaded: 20200624
Chantell Marais
Age:
38
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
20
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I’m asthmatic and used 3-4 pumps a month, after switching to vaping I use only 1 pump a month. I don’t struggle with sinuses or lung infections.
Date Uploaded: 20220913
Mattias
Age:
42
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
25
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Dessert
I don’t smoke anymore. Don’t want to also. I have tried gum and patches
but they didn’t work at all. Then vaping came around. Never touched a cigarette since then
Date Uploaded: 20200720
Jiten Maken
Age:
37
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
18
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Fruit
The best change that was made from smoking, don’t know how I would cope during this lockdown time without in
Date Uploaded: 20200703
Hardus Fourie
Age:
44
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
20
Vaping Years:
7
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I wanted to quit smoking for years and tried every method out there to help me but to no avail. When n started vaping i could immediately lower my cigarette intake from week one and to quit completely in a short amount of time. Vaping definitely saved my life and will do the same for anyone who wants to quit smoking
Date Uploaded: 20220806
Alex Rossouw
Age:
33
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
7
Vaping Years:
3
Flavours:
Dessert
When I smoked cigarettes it left me with more negative effects than positives, I struggled with constant sinusitis and headaches that were quite severe. After I quit smoking though and switched to vaping it has been much better and I no longer have sinus problems as well as overall better health. I would say my level of addiction to nicotine has been completely taken away and I can go about my daily life as I normally would have without cravings for a cigarette.
Date Uploaded: 20220117
Raushan
Age:
33
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
14
Vaping Years:
5
Flavours:
Like more than one type
Many years ago, I was introduced to vaping. This came after many attempts to kick the cigarette habit. At the time, I did not know much about vaping and merely followed what someone else told me. There weren’t many options either. I started using hookah flavours as there variety of flavours were better for me and they were much more easily attainable. Then, approximately 2 years ago, I entered a vape store. I was surprised by how the industry had changed. And once I had tried it, I threw the hookah pipe away. I dont smoke anything anymore. I only vape. I vape a very low nicotine, which is from 1-3mg. There are many reasons why vaping has allowed me to remain smoke free, but I will merely mention two. 1. The flavour choices and intensity. And 2. The activities included in maintaining and customizing the devices. Vaping saved my life and improved it too. Thanks to vaping, my family will not have to be exposed to harmful second hand smoke. I have been saved from smoke related illnesses too. It’s simply amazing.
Date Uploaded: 20210715
Carol Greeff
Age:
60
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
30
Vaping Years:
3
Flavours:
Like more than one type
Cigarettes stink Vaping doesn’t I don’t cough in the mornings anymore
Date Uploaded: 20220117