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.
Mathew Pugh
Current Smoker:
Yes
Smoking Years:
9
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Dessert
I decided to quit because I hated the effects (ie. Struggle to breathe, coughing, wheezing, etc) and I’ve been watching my grandmother struggle with COPD for years because of smoking. I tried patches and gum but neither worked. Then I found vaping. I still smoke the occasional cigarette every few weeks but that is much better than the pack a day habit I used to have. Since I started vaping I’ve noticed I can breathe much better, I don’t cough nearly as much and I don’t wheeze at all. I love my dessert flavours. Thank you for reading my story.
Date Uploaded: 20220922
Brandon De Winnaar
Age:
27
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
5
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Fruit
Vaping is an absolute lifestyle to me; it is part of my everyday routine and will be for however long we have the privilege, t has changed my health completely. The vaping community is everything, and I am really privileged to be part of it
Date Uploaded: 20200703
Roy Lawrence
Age:
60
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
39
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Dessert
Tried everything to stop smoking. Finally vaping did it and allowed me to stop cold turkey
Date Uploaded: 20220120
Lisa Lowe
Age:
37
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
17
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I decided to quit smoking as my health was deteriorating, i was coughing all the time, i was unfit, i was always sick. i tried for many years to give up smoking and i could not. I eventually went onto tablets and i gave up after a month. i felt better after 4 months after quiting smoking. 6 months later i decided to vape. i still feel fit and healthy and i get joy out of vaping. My clothes and house and car dont stink. i dont bother non smokers around me, they quite like the vape smell. i dont cough or feel ill and tired. vaping is good for my mental healthy. smokers get a choice of brands they can smoke, we should get a choice of flavours we are allowed to vape. freedom to vapers. freedom of choice.
Date Uploaded: 20221013
Navesh Maharaj
Age:
33
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
15
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Dessert
Never thought I give up smoking tried everything. Finally decided to try vaping and I haven’t touched a cigarette since
Date Uploaded: 20200624
Tristan De La Porte
Age:
21
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
1
Vaping Years:
3
Flavours:
Fruit
Date Uploaded: 20220118
Elandre Johannes Delport
Age:
36
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
12
Vaping Years:
3
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I feel better, smelling and taste improved and costs decreased monthly
Date Uploaded: 20220120
Zuhayr Parker
Age:
27
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