Taming my nicotine addiction

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Mattww89

Might Stick Around
Jun 18, 2022
97
234
36
TX
So I did say I got in to pipe smoking to get off cigarettes. The idea was even if I don't quite at lease it a method that I'm not killing my lungs over. I did seen videos and read comment about it being a bad idea and I can see why but for me I think it working. Even if I do get that occasional cigarette at work. It tastes horrible to me now. I have to find something to do to smoke it and I can't really inhale anymore. If I do I can really only take baby hits. It just doesn't feel like it no longer worth my time and money not that it every did. I feel like I can breathe better and I don't tire out as easily anymore.
 
Jun 23, 2019
2,260
15,156
I "got back into" pipes to kick cigarettes too. It worked really well for me.

Stayed away from Virginia/Vapers in the beginning due to the taste reminding me of cigarettes too much. But other than that, it was an easy way to still get your daily nicotine cravings in a slightly healthier form factor.
 

Aomalley27

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 8, 2021
763
1,682
Chicagoland area
In theory the switch works; but in practice it hardly ever does. You must remember that the average cigarette contains 13-15 milligrams of tobacco; the average bowl in a pipe 3 grams. (So about 230 cigarettes worth of tobacco in the average pipe bowl)

The biggest hurdle is the tobacco selection. Most folks that make the switch query “What tastes most like a cigarette”; and then are directed towards the higher nicotine content blends. The better method would be to steer the opposite direction, and get the lower nicotine blends. (* Of course this omits the chemicals added to Cigarettes that stimulate those craving/addictive characteristics. Not to mention the myriad of carcinogens)
 

TheWhale13

Part of the Furniture Now
Aug 12, 2021
803
3,421
Sweden
In theory the switch works; but in practice it hardly ever does. You must remember that the average cigarette contains 13-15 milligrams of tobacco; the average bowl in a pipe 3 grams. (So about 230 cigarettes worth of tobacco in the average pipe bowl)

The biggest hurdle is the tobacco selection. Most folks that make the switch query “What tastes most like a cigarette”; and then are directed towards the higher nicotine content blends. The better method would be to steer the opposite direction, and get the lower nicotine blends. (* Of course this omits the chemicals added to Cigarettes that stimulate those craving/addictive characteristics. Not to mention the myriad of carcinogens)

Are you kidding me? A cigarette holds about half a gram of tobacco. 15 mg is nothing but a speck of tobacco.
 
Jun 23, 2019
2,260
15,156
In theory the switch works; but in practice it hardly ever does. You must remember that the average cigarette contains 13-15 milligrams of tobacco; the average bowl in a pipe 3 grams. (So about 230 cigarettes worth of tobacco in the average pipe bowl)

The biggest hurdle is the tobacco selection. Most folks that make the switch query “What tastes most like a cigarette”; and then are directed towards the higher nicotine content blends. The better method would be to steer the opposite direction, and get the lower nicotine blends. (* Of course this omits the chemicals added to Cigarettes that stimulate those craving/addictive characteristics. Not to mention the myriad of carcinogens)

Huh? I'm not even sure where to begin here...
 
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Epip Oc'Cabot

Part of the Furniture Now
Oct 11, 2019
556
1,435
In theory the switch works; but in practice it hardly ever does. You must remember that the average cigarette contains 13-15 milligrams of tobacco; the average bowl in a pipe 3 grams. (So about 230 cigarettes worth of tobacco in the average pipe bowl)

The biggest hurdle is the tobacco selection. Most folks that make the switch query “What tastes most like a cigarette”; and then are directed towards the higher nicotine content blends. The better method would be to steer the opposite direction, and get the lower nicotine blends. (* Of course this omits the chemicals added to Cigarettes that stimulate those craving/addictive characteristics. Not to mention the myriad of carcinogens)

I believe your numbers are off by a fair amount. Even though I do not have any actual data, I SUSPECT that the volume of tobacco in an average-sized pipe bowl may be between ~ 3 - 6 times the volume of tobacco in a typical cigarette.
 

AJL67

Lifer
May 26, 2022
5,585
28,314
Florida - Space Coast
In theory the switch works; but in practice it hardly ever does. You must remember that the average cigarette contains 13-15 milligrams of tobacco; the average bowl in a pipe 3 grams. (So about 230 cigarettes worth of tobacco in the average pipe bowl)

The biggest hurdle is the tobacco selection. Most folks that make the switch query “What tastes most like a cigarette”; and then are directed towards the higher nicotine content blends. The better method would be to steer the opposite direction, and get the lower nicotine blends. (* Of course this omits the chemicals added to Cigarettes that stimulate those craving/addictive characteristics. Not to mention the myriad of carcinogens)
6B62F3F7-1C94-4FA2-A1A0-2DBB741A302D.jpeg
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
18,361
33,383
47
Central PA a.k.a. State College
in my opinion less cigs is an improvement. Even if you don't completely get off of them. But the thing is it doesn't work for people because they want it to be easier then it is. They think switching to the pipe will be like changing a pair of pants. Your body still needs to adjust to a different way of absorbing the nic.
For me snus got me off cigs. And wasn't even trying to get off them. Just wanted something to keep me sane at work. Then was like why would I want to have a cig if I can do this?
 

vosBghos

Lifer
May 7, 2022
1,634
3,623
Idaho
I quit smoking for 6 years cold turkey. Read that book “ easy way to stop smoking”- Allen Carr…

Only problem?
I quit reading books, I quit writing songs, I quit playing guitar altogether.
I was a nervous overwhelmed wreck all the time.

My label called me and said what’s up man ? You haven’t made a record in 6 years, should we take you off the roster?

I bought a pack of camel straights and a white board and got to work editing 6 years of scrambled notes and listened back on 6 years of “ song ideas”. Read my favorite authors latest books. My wife likes me again. I can think straight. Oh and I have 3 new releases scheduled for fall.

I explained my problem to a friend a cigar smoker, he said I should take up the pipe and be more intentional about my nicotine intake.
Now I’ve taken up the pipe and I’ll never look back. Just sitting and really enjoying a 15-45 minute bowl ( tobacco depending) 5-8 times a day is so much more satisfying, and relaxing. I feel in control and excited to sip the smoke and ponder rather that just feed my addiction. I’m not even keeping him at bay just making friends with him, life’s too short, enjoy your small vices, but never let them control you.

Best of luck with your relationship ?
 

Mattww89

Might Stick Around
Jun 18, 2022
97
234
36
TX
Hope it works out!
Why are you trying to quit cigarettes?
Mainly because it was killing my lungs. Ever since I started smoking a pipe I can breathe so much easier now pipes taste better and I would I be lying if I didn't mention that some of the lady's I know really like the smell my tobacco and started noticing me moor. That last one maybe a bit selfish but it giving this average Joe a Fighting Chance. Like I said I can see why switching may not work for everyone but for me the pros out weighs the cons.
 

Mattww89

Might Stick Around
Jun 18, 2022
97
234
36
TX
I thought I'd give a little update on my progress mainly around work.
When I first started I would smoke a bowl in between brakes. It was an ideal but I'm fighting an addiction. Now I have a bowl on my lunch break and hoping I can work on maybe just have a bowl in the morning and a bowl at the end of the day. Healthwise I'm already improving. I don't get as winded as much as I used to and needs last breaks during the day . The pipe is a really great tool for learning self-control and practicing moderation. I try to use my pipe time with my Bible studies something I also struggle with but I am trying. Other time's I'll simply listen to music.
 

Nicolasylvain

Might Stick Around
Jun 18, 2022
66
61
France
I thought I'd give a little update on my progress mainly around work.
When I first started I would smoke a bowl in between brakes. It was an ideal but I'm fighting an addiction. Now I have a bowl on my lunch break and hoping I can work on maybe just have a bowl in the morning and a bowl at the end of the day. Healthwise I'm already improving. I don't get as winded as much as I used to and needs last breaks during the day . The pipe is a really great tool for learning self-control and practicing moderation. I try to use my pipe time with my Bible studies something I also struggle with but I am trying. Other time's I'll simply listen to music.

I recommend nasal snuff, for those moments or whole days (weeks, even) when you feel you want nicotine without smoking
 
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Franco Pipenbeans

Part of the Furniture Now
Jan 7, 2021
648
1,694
Yorkshire, England
I Don’t need or want a cigarette from day to day unless…? and then all bets are off.

I’ve tried taking the pipe for an outing to the pub, doing my bit for the public face of the pipe smoker and all that. I can finish the pipe and almost instantly want a cigarette and then 20 just seem to vanish. I’ve tried similar with cigars but the same thing happens.

It’s like lamb and mint sauce, roast beef and horseradish, hot dogs and mustard; Guinness and cigarettes go so well together but so bad for me. The older I get the worse it gets.

There’s obviously a lot of bad stuff in cigs but I’m now convinced that they must add more nicotine (or other addictive elements) to them.