How to Switch to Vaping and Leave Smoking Behind For Good

24 October 2025 | Sowmiya Rajagopalan

Making the decision to move away from cigarettes is one of the most positive health choices you can make. If you’re considering vaping as a tool to help you on that journey, you’re not alone. For many, it has been the key to leaving smoking behind.

But switching successfully is about more than just buying a device. It’s a transition that requires a little knowledge and a shift in mindset. Feeling a bit overwhelmed is normal. Where do you start? What kit do you need? This guide is designed to be your friendly, straightforward roadmap to making the switch, and making it stick.

Step 1: Shift Your Mindset – Vaping is a Substitute, Not a Replica

This is the most crucial step, and it happens before you even buy anything. Vaping is not smoking. It’s a different experience, and accepting that from the outset will prevent disappointment.

• The Throat Hit vs. The Smoke: A cigarette delivers a sharp, instantly satisfying sensation. Vaping offers a "throat hit" – a gentler feeling caused by the vapor and nicotine. It’s similar, but not identical. Your goal is to find a vape that provides a satisfying enough throat hit to replace the cigarette.
• Patience is Your Superpower: Your body is used to thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke. Vaping largely delivers just nicotine. It might take a few days for your body to adjust and for the vape to truly satisfy your cravings. Be patient with yourself during this initial period.

Step 2: Choosing Your First Kit – Keep It Simple

Walking into a vape shop or browsing online can be intimidating with hundreds of complex-looking devices. Ignore the advanced gear for now. Your mission is to find a starter kit that is easy to use and mimics the feel of smoking.

• Pod Kits are Your Best Friend: For most new vapers, a "pod kit" is the perfect starting point. These devices are small, discreet, and incredibly simple. They typically consist of a battery and a disposable "pod" that you click into place. There are no buttons and no complex settings. They are designed for ease and a smooth draw that feels similar to a cigarette.
• Cigalikes are Another Option: These are the small, cigarette-shaped devices you often see. They are the simplest of all but may offer less battery life and flavor. They can be a good "gateway" for the absolute beginner.

Step 3: Selecting Your E-Liquid – The Flavor of Success

This is where you personalize your experience. The right e-liquid is critical to staying off cigarettes.
Nicotine Strength: Get This Right. This is the most important factor in curbing your cravings.

• Heavy Smoker (20+ a day): Start with a 1.8% (18mg/ml) or 2.0% (20mg/ml) nicotine salt e-liquid. Nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit at high strengths, making them ideal for new switchers.
• Average Smoker (10-15 a day): A 1.2% (12mg/ml) strength is a good starting point.
• Light Smoker (Under 10 a day): You might find 0.6% (6mg/ml) or 0.3% (3mg/ml) sufficient.

PG/VG Ratio: For Throat Hit and Vapor. For a starter pod kit, look for a 50% PG / 50% VG ratio. PG carries flavor better and provides that all-important throat hit, while VG produces the vapor.
Flavor: Be Adventurous, But Start with the Familiar. This is the fun part!

• Tobacco Flavors: Many people find comfort in starting with a tobacco-flavored e-liquid. It provides a familiar taste that can ease the transition. Don’t expect it to taste exactly like your brand of cigarette; think of it as a "clean" tobacco taste.
• Menthol: If you smoked menthols, this is an obvious and effective choice.
• Everything Else! Once you’re comfortable, this is your chance to explore. Fruity, dessert, or drink flavors can be incredibly satisfying and help disassociate you from the taste of tobacco entirely.

Step 4: Making the Switch – Your Practical Game Plan

You’ve got your kit and your e-liquid. Now it’s go-time.

• Pick a Date: Choose a day to make the full switch. It could be a quieter weekend where you can focus on the change without work stress.
• Have Your Vape Charged and Ready: Treat your vape like your new pack of cigarettes. Keep it with you, charged, and ready to go. The last thing you want is a dead battery when a craving hits.
• Vape Differently: Take slower, longer draws than you would on a cigarette. Inhale the vapor into your mouth, then into your lungs. Give it a moment for the nicotine to be absorbed.
• Expect a Learning Curve: You might cough at first. This is normal as your body gets used to the vapor. You might also need to experiment with how often you vape to keep cravings at bay. Listen to your body.

Step 5: Weathering the Challenges

The first week is the hardest, but you can get through it.

• Cravings Will Pass: If you have a strong craving, take several long, deliberate puffs on your vape. The craving will pass. Remember the 4 Ds: Delay, Drink water, Deep breathe, Do something else.
• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: PG and VG are humectants, which can be drying. Drink plenty of water to avoid a dry mouth or throat.
• Celebrate the Small Wins: Saved the money you would have spent on a pack of cigarettes? Treated yourself to a new e-liquid flavor? Notice your sense of smell returning? These are all victories. Celebrate them.

Leaving smoking behind is a journey, and every journey starts with a single step. By arming yourself with the right knowledge and a simple, effective kit, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of success. You’ve got this.