Image courtesy of dopesmuglar on Flickr
In the U.S. the electric cigarette has sparked some interesting debate. Those who are opposed to the device worry over the safety of electric cigarettes while proponents claim the device is another tool for smokers to kick their healthy habit. While the device is not sold as a quitting tool, some users have found it to be very helpful in their efforts to stop using tobacco cigarettes.
The electric cigarette consists of a battery, atomizer and cartridge to hold the liquid nicotine that turns into the mist produced by the device. The smoker has the illusion of smoking and delivers nicotine to combat cravings that smokers feel. Quitting tobacco products is a complicated affair and the device offers another alternative for smokers to use to help with the process. This is the argument that proponents of the device have been making. Taking away another tool in the arsenal of someone who wants to quit is an irresponsible tactic. If anti smoking groups truly want to help folks give up the dangerous habit, eliminating tools seems to be in direct opposition to that goal.
Users of the device cite the low cost and the device’s ability to help them with the social aspect of smoking that other methods do not address. Many smokers use tobacco products in social situations and when they stop, those social situations often go away as well. This can cause some smokers to pick the habit up again because they miss the camaraderie with their fellow smokers. While this may not seem like a difficult problem to overcome, it is an important aspect of smoking that is just not addressed with other stop smoking methods.
Many smokers use tobacco products during specific situations. Smoking with a cup of coffee, smoking while drinking alcohol or smoking in the car are just some of the deep psychological ties that cigarettes appear to have in a smoker’s life. It can be very difficult to participate in any of these activities when cigarettes are eliminated from the equation. The electric cigarette gives smokers another option. A device that looks like a cigarette works similar to a cigarette and provides them with nicotine all at the same time. This is an incredibly helpful tool for smokers who are looking for a way to kick the habit.
A recent ruling has delivered a win for the side of the electric cigarette manufacturers with the decision that there is no way to prevent the devices from being imported to customers in the U.S. The FDA tried to ban the importation of the device on the grounds that it is a drug delivery system, but the court determined that the argument was faulty. This is just one battle in the war against the electric cigarette. The only losers in the situation are smokers who are seeking another alternative in their battle against cigarette addiction.