What a Drag

When things get out of control and there’s no other stress outlet immediately available, a cigarette can be the most reliable therapy for a girl in need of comfort. However, with the increase of horrifying anti-smoking commercials and difficulties caused by my lack of lung capacity, it’s about time for me to back off of the nicotine.

The first and most odd solution I found was baking soda—two teaspoons in a full glass of water with every meal. Apparently, baking soda traps nicotine in your blood, reducing the need and craving. However, after a couple of days of trying this method, I began to loathe the awkward taste. The cloudy liquid only reminded me that I was forcibly consuming this strange remedy instead of indulging in my forbidden tobacco.

So, I turned to Twizzlers. This was supposed to keep my mouth busy with constant chewing instead of cradling a cigarette. Unfortunately, I hate Twizzlers. I tried chocolate, but soon realized that too much chocolate was making me feel even worse than my American Spirits did.

Finally, I was miraculously presented with the order of disposable e-cigarettes that I purchased online for $24. Though it took a few tries to get used to the tobacco-less cigarette, the “smoker’s smart choice” proved to be much more effective than candy and chalky water mixtures.

The electronic cigarette is a battery-fueled vaporizer that provides a small dose of nicotine and a satisfactory cloud of condensation with every drag. While it somewhat feels like you're smoking a ballpoint pen, it provides the familiarity of a cigarette without the poison. And you can legally smoke it anywhere, because it only emits condensation and no cigarette smoke.

My experience with the e-cigarette was well worth the money. It takes care of the nicotine-addiction and the comfortable feeling of holding an actual cigarette.

However, it still doesn’t deal the soothing reassurance of an actual cigarette. In the presence of overwhelming amounts of homework, whiny managers at work, and a heartless ex-boyfriend, I caught myself swapping $10 for a pack a couple times over the week. Unfortunately, I need a lot more dedication to dropping the cancer sticks if I’m going to see any progress.  Though it may take longer than expected, the assistance of my e-cigarette will make quitting much easier. Wish my lungs luck.