When I gave up drink and drugs in late August, I picked up an old and destructive habit a few weeks later. Smoking. Now, I know that smoking is one of the dumbest things you could possible do. I watched it kill my grandmother, for fuck’s sake. But that didn’t stop me. My brain again told me I needed something to make it through the day. After all, I was doing so well with my sobriety!

You need something to take the edge off, Ralph. You deserve it!

Same old shit. I stayed on this path for a couple weeks, but eventually I transitioned to another crutch, albeit a healthier one. I’m speaking about vaping.

Ever since I’ve started, I have to admit that I pretty much love the new “hobby.” However, I’m still putting nicotine into my system and it’s known to be one of the most addictive substances on earth. Vaping is also believed to negatively affect the heart, perhaps as badly as smoking actual cigarettes do. There’s some disagreement on this score, but I think it’s safe to say that it’s not the healthiest habit to pick up. However, it is delicious.

There are so many fruity flavors of vape juice available that it’s almost insane. I got some yesterday that is flavored like a breakfast cereal. I haven’t tried the coffee and cake-like flavors yet, but if you can dream it, then it probably already exists as a vape juice flavor.

I think I might eventually try to switch down to the nicotine-free vape juice or perhaps even give it up altogether. It doesn’t really fit with my new mindset and I do worry that it is a gateway to weakening my resolve to stay sober. However, I definitely see the appeal of vaping. If there are any fellow vapers around, let me know what you think of the habit down in the comment section. Similarly, if you hate vaping or think it’s a con, let me hear that too.

All thoughts are welcome.