Whether you’re worried about the underlying health risks that come with nicotine vaping or just want to consider alternatives to vaping nicotine, you can rest assured that you are not alone.
In this article, BlackDoctor.Org will go into the six alternatives to vaping along with their pros and cons.
Kick your nicotine vape pen and e-cigs to the curb and electronic cigarettes with these six alternatives:
1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products transfer nicotine to your body in a regulated manner. With the dosage’s consistency, it can help soothe nicotine withdrawal symptoms that arise from the day you quit smoking or vaping.
The five common NRT products include:
- Nicotine patch
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine lozenge
- Nicotine spray
- Nicotine inhaler
Each NRT has unique strengths, so connect with your healthcare provider regarding picking the precise amount of nicotine.
NRTs are said to have less addictive qualities versus vaping nicotine or smoking. This is because they move a smaller amount of nicotine to your brain and at a slower pace compared to vaping nicotine or smoking tobacco.
It has everything to do with dropping your nicotine strength little by little as time progresses to quit nicotine and overcome any nicotine withdrawal symptoms. If you smoke on a heavier scale, your typical dosage of nicotine will begin to become potent and slowly but surely reduce to the point that you become nicotine-free.
However, it’s worth mentioning that NRTs have their share of risks.
Using NRTs as an alternative means you would still be using nicotine — which amplifies the likelihood of furthering your addiction to nicotine and a long-term toxic impact on your well-being.
Some unpleasant side effects include:
- Irritation of the skin (while wearing a nicotine patch)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
Research also shows the heightened probability of nicotine gums and lozenges may boost the chances of being diagnosed with oral cancer.
Fortunately, there are safer methods that do not have any nicotine.
A young person who uses an electronic cigarette may be more likely to smoke a traditional cigarette in the future, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
RELATED: When Vaping goes from Hobby to Addiction
2. Vapes Free of Nicotine
Believe it or not, there are vaping devices that exist without a trace of nicotine. It gives you the sensation of vaping without nicotine’s negative side effects.
Nicotine-free vapes are a good option for anyone who:
- Enjoys vaping or smoking because of the physical action of inhaling and exhaling smoke or vapor
- Wishes to please their oral fixation (a strong urge to stimulate the mouth) with the hand-to-mouth action
- Craves the habit’s social element
A vape that isn’t the best quality can still have ingredients that aren’t regulated and could have subtle increments of nicotine.
Try going for high-quality nicotine-free vapes from reputable and trustworthy brands like Cyclone Pods. Cyclone Pods provide a variety of health-conscious health-focused vapes that only utilize safe ingredients in their vape juice. These vaping products are:
- Free of nicotine and tobacco
- Without hazardous substances such as vitamin E acetate and diacetyl
- Not prone to cause addiction
3. The Herbal Route
Certain herbal remedies may also help minimize cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms like emotional unrest and irritability.
A 2023 review highlighted the positive effects of particular herbal preparations for smoking cessation in comparison to placebo or control groups. Some of these include:
- V. cinerea
- St. John’s Wort
- lavender oil
- black pepper
- Lime
Some individuals who took part in this also started to develop a dislike for the odor and taste of cigarettes.
Green tea is another herbal remedy that can help you fight your urges.
According to a 2010 study where green tea was inserted in cigarette filters, green tea floods your system with micronutrients and amino acids necessary to help combat the craving to smoke.
Green tea is also said to help fix damaged tissues affected by smoking.
Other herbal options for relief such as lobelia have also been used for smoking cessation. Despite this, it needs to be studied more.
Before deciding to take an herbal supplement, talk to a healthcare professional as these could be bad for your health.
4. Other Alternatives For Nicotine
Various no-nicotine substitutes can alleviate oral fixation by offering a way to distract yourself, ultimately helping with temptations. These include:
- Lollipops
- Hard candies
- Bubble gum
- Popsicles
- Pretzel sticks
- Pumpkin seeds
- Toothpicks
- Straws to chew on
While these no-nicotine substitutes are safer for the most part, it is worth mentioning that they may not prove as effective in keeping nicotine withdrawal symptoms under control and combating cravings as they do not manage nicotine addiction.