If you ask a bunch of smokers to make a wish, they will probably ask for a way to smoke cigarettes without getting their health affected. Although this miracle is not possible, many smoking alternatives are in the market that is claimed to be safer than smoking cigarettes. These alternatives include e-cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, and hookas. This article talks clearly about the alternatives, how are they better than cigarettes, and how can they become worse in a few ways too.
Table of Contents
1. E-cigarettes and Vapes
Vapes, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes work by converting the nicotine-containing liquid into vapors which are then inhaled. Therefore, e-cigs use liquid nicotine along with some flavorings instead of solid tobacco. But in spite of the fact that e-cigs don’t use tobacco, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled them as a tobacco product and refused to endorse them. E-cigs are always marketed as a safe mode of smoking, which helps you quit smoking. However, more research is required on this topic to prove the safety and reliability of vapes and e-cigs. One thing to keep in mind while buying vapes and e-cigs is to make sure it is branded, and the seller is reliable. These electronic devices contain batteries and heating elements. A man in Florida had an e-cig exploded in his mouth.
Therefore, you should do some research and get customer feedbacks before purchasing vapes and e-cigs. You can check the Geekvape Zeus RTA collection for high-quality vapes. The quit-smoking claims of e-cig companies might be a delusion because they are nicotine delivery devices which can be as addictive as cigarettes. They are, moreover, may easier and quick to use compared to cigarettes, which can promote addictive activities. But if used efficiently and with control, e-cigs might turn out to be a help n quitting smoking. Additionally, vapes can also be used to consume medicinal liquids like CBD oils and hemp extracts. Zeus X RTA is a good option if you are looking for a new reliable and classy looking vape.
Herbal Cigarettes
Clove cigarettes are one of the most popular types of herbal cigarettes and are very popular among smokers. These cigarettes consist of 60-70% tobacco, cloves, clove oils, additives, and flavorings. These cigarettes are marketed extensively, has safer alternatives to normal cigarettes. However, they contain tobacco and other components that produce tar, which is carcinogenic and causes cancer. Studies suggest that these carcinogens resemble the carcinogens of a cigarette and are equally hazardous. And since they consist of tobacco and delivers nicotine like cigarettes, there is no difference between herbal cigarettes and normal cigarettes except for the flavors.
Also Read: 7 Smoking Habit Alternatives Help You to Stay Healthy
Moreover, these flavors act as a promoter of addiction, especially in young people, by making the smoking experience more smooth and enjoyable. However, there are a few cigarettes in the market that are tobacco-free and contain only herbs. These cigarettes are not readily available, but if found, they can act as a helpful smoking alternative. But even these cigarettes involve burning and vaporizing of components which results in the formation of tar. Although this tar will not be as harmful as that of cigarette, any type of tar going inside your lungs is harmful. In the end, calling a cigarette herbal does not make it any safer to use until it is tobacco-free. However, if you are looking for an alternative to cigarettes, you can try herbal cigarettes with little or no tobacco content.
Hookahs
Hookah is a water-cooled pipe that consists of one or more tubes which allows a group of people to smoke a hookah together from the same pipe. Hookah can be used either with herbs or with tobacco, but people prefer using it more with tobacco and added flavorings. A lot of people think that hookah is safe, but studies show that it is even worse than a cigarette. According to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO), a hookah session of one hour exposes you to tobacco smoke equal to that produced by 100 cigarettes. Many people also believe in the myth that the water in the hookas acts as a filter and filters out toxins, but it is not true. The role of water is to make the smoke cooler, so it is easier to inhale.
You are still exposed to carcinogenic tar and carbon monoxide. You are still consuming nicotine, which makes you addictive towards it. Moreover, you are also at risk of contracting herpes, cold, flu, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases when you share the pipe with other people. Similar to herbal cigarettes with the flavor of cloves, hookas come in various flavors including chocolate, mint, kiwi, etc. These flavors are enjoyed by youngsters, which makes hookah a highly addictive method of smoking in young people. Hookah bars have been gaining popularity since the last few years, especially for teens as it gives a bar-like vibe and makes smoking with friends fun.
Conclusion
Well, none of the methods mentioned above are approved as an effective method to quit smoking. Although all of them can help you quit smoking cigarettes, you will have a high chance of developing addiction towards these methods, which will do no good. However, the effects of the three methods are comparable and can help you choose between a better and safer alternative if you have decided to quit. Vapes and e-cigarettes can be a helpful tool if you use them in the right way. Liquids like CBD oils are useful anti-addiction products that can be consumed with the help of vapes. Herbal cigarettes can only be beneficial if they contain very little to no tobacco. Hookahs are useful only if used to smoke herbs and not tobacco.
However, the best way to get rid of smoking is to quit it completely instead of looking for alternatives. The advertising and marketing of these products might brainwash a lot of people and persuade them to use these products. But these products can turn out to be a trap of addiction. The best way to quit smoking is to use FDA-approved medication like bupropion (Zyban), varenicline (Chantix), or nicotine-replacement therapies like patches, gums, inhalers, and lozenges.
