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.
Warren Jacobson
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
25
Vaping Years:
4
Flavours:
Dessert
After smoking 30 cigarettes a day for 25 years I switched to vaping. The benefits to my health are undeniable. My lungs feel much stronger and this has been proven by my level of fitness. I used to suffer chronic sores on the sides of my mouth as a result of smoking and I haven’t had them once since switching to vaping. I haven’t even had a common cold or flu once in 4 years since quitting cigarettes. I can now live my life without the constant fear of dying a premature death from the many health consequences of traditional smoking. The benefits to my health have been nothing short of miraculous, the benefits to the environment and the lack of cigarette litter have to also be considered. Please don’t destroy my health by making vaping a crime!
Date Uploaded: 20230726
Gareth Franken
Age:
47
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
26
Vaping Years:
3
Flavours:
Dessert
Date Uploaded: 20220115
Marco Giani
Age:
42
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
22
Vaping Years:
6
Flavours:
Fruit
I have tried many methods (patches, gum, medication) which did not work. Vaping was a great alternative to ween myself off cigarettes. Gradually decreasing the nicotine intake until I was on 0mg. Now I vape on occasion as I no longer depend nicotine. With friends and family that was serious about quitting, but tried the same methods as me, I helped and guided them in vaping. They will be listing their own stories here.
Date Uploaded: 20230129
Corrie Steyl
Age:
62
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
39
Vaping Years:
5
Flavours:
Dessert
I had to make a choice to quit cigarettes after being diagnosed with the starting phase of Emphysema. I was on an oxygen generator with high blood pressure. It’s been four years since I last had to use an oxygen generator, and my blood pressure returned to normal Since I made the switch to Vaping, I can say Vaping saved my life and my specialist agrees.
Date Uploaded: 20200624
Leighton
Age:
22
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
1
Vaping Years:
3
Flavours:
Fruit
Date Uploaded: 20220118
Elmarie Els
Age:
25
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
1
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Fruit
Vaping has changed my life for the better. I haven’t touched a ciggie since I started. It helps with my mental health as well.
Etthienne
Age:
29
Current Smoker:
Yes
Smoking Years:
4
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
Date Uploaded: 20220116
Brandon Govender
Age:
28
Current Smoker:
Yes
Smoking Years:
15
Vaping Years:
6
Flavours:
Like more than one type
2017 I started waking up to breathing challenges challenged to breathe sleepless nights struggling to breath couple months passed and officially been diagnosed with asthma/weezing I had to visit a friend not going to disclose names so I get to his shop to pick up spares for my car and I see him vaping at the time I did not know what vaping was and I asked him about it and he gave me the run down what it is and what are the benefits so me being a want to know it all I did my research looked at the world health organization research the UK studies and found that there is alot of factual information and alot of how vaping can save my life so at that point I decided to go to a vape store and said to them I have no idea to what I am doing or how to vape so the staff set me up and showed me how to use the device so I vaped for a couple of days but had a cigarette in between so I was not getting the healthier ways of change I decided to go with in all honesty it was a challenging but I managed to leave the cigarettes and only vaped yes not at first every benefit I have experienced but I started waking up to morning that I could breath some Dr visits in-between and she said that seems to be that your Asthma eased down never told her about the vaping but all she asked was did you quit smoking and that’s when I said yes and started vaping she then said that is good and nothing else eventually I gained my sense of smell like never before feeling and also started tasting better I could walk without huffing for breath could run play ball and many other activities till date I still vape and I feel hydrated all the time started drinking water ever since vaping never did I have water before I can walk up stairs without having to catch my breath I can say with no hesitation vaping saved my life
Date Uploaded: 20220119