Results: Even with a relatively small sample of formal participants (N = 15), there were pervasive themes including the language and culture of vaping; social and informational support among vapers and their use of Internet resources (learning about e-cigs); the learning curve to using e-cigs and the numerous modifications (“mods”) available for e-cigs and personal vaporizers; motives and perceived benefits of using e-cigs versus cigarettes including cigarette-like enjoyment, cost, restored sense of taste and smell, and improved breathing and exercise tolerance; rapidly reduced nicotine tolerance and dependence; and a strong interest in e-cig–related research and policy.

Conclusions: The learning curve to using e-cigs has important implications for laboratory tests of these devices with novice users. Similarly, the multiple e-cig options and the use of “mods” create challenges for researchers and policy makers. Transdisciplinary research is urgently needed, and experienced “vapers” are very interested and willing research participants.

http://ntr.oxfordjournals.org/content/e ... UwnLNO6Er9

Excellent, balanced paper. A "must read."

Awesome! Why didn't they get more than 15 participants (interviewees) in STL? Was it an issue of time?

I am really getting excited by the amount of balanced and positive news about our beloved devices!! While there will always be the naysayers, it is hard to refute the fact that so many of us have been successful and for the length of time many of us have made it.

Mama--

Interviews (both formal and informal) were conducted during the Midwest Vapefest, and continued afterward with the St. Louis peeps (Midwest Vapers Group). There were 15 "formal" interviews, but he's talked to far, far more than 15 people. According to the paper, the information they were continuing to get was "saturated"--the themes were recurrent . . . we were all more or less saying the same general thing.

One thing that I particularly liked about this paper is that while the authors are certainly interested in examining e-cigarettes in the context of traditional smoking cessation, there's also a recognition of e-cigarettes being used as a long-term substitute for smoking. I know that sounds like splitting hairs, but when most scientists and doctors talk about "smoking cessation," what they're really talking about is nicotine abstinence. For example, you use the gum or patch for several weeks, gradually reducing your nicotine intake, and then at some magical point several weeks later, you give it all up. (Yeah, right. )

But for the vast majority of us, nicotine isn't causing any health problems . . . it was the smoking, not the nicotine. And if continued nicotine use via vaping (or snus, for that matter) can keep us from smoking, isn't that a better alternative than the seemingly endless cycle of quit/relapse/quit/relapse that the government-approved smoking cessation products offer?

One of our greatest hopes, I think, is that doctors who deal with patients (who genuinely care about the health of the people they help), will keep an open mind about e-cigarettes for their patients who are inveterate smokers. The "quit or die" mentality has no place in health care or public policy.

I had my "yearly" yesterday and my doctor is still thrilled that I am not smoking. Not sure if he has passed along e-cigs to other women who smoke, but each year I am smoke free he is impressed with our PVs.

I didn't show him the GGT though, he would really think I am a nut!

Thanks for further clarifying the amount of participants. So glad we are starting to see a more positive spin!

My doctor is impressed, too. She said she's not going to argue with something that's keeping me from smoking.

And we're starting to see a change in attitudes. Midwest Vapers Group is actually receiving some referrals from area doctors. Slowly but surely, the tide is turning . . . and now that we're not longer in a legally "gray" area, I think we're going to see more acceptance of vaping as an alternative to smoking.

I like that attitudes are changing! I took Matt to pre-bowl for his league the other day and Vaping is welcomed at this house, but a woman (with a baby) some 20 lanes away went to complain. The manager (who has been armed with all the relevant e-cig info) informed her I wasn't smoking. However, there were some younger boys on the lanes next to us who were really interested in it. So I gave them some info. Changing smokers over one at a time is awesome.

So many have heard about it but they are so addicted to smokes that what I hear is "I don't want to take the risk." "What if it doesn't work for me?". I always say there are no guarantees but my experience has been absolutely wonderful and I would have never thought they would work for me but they have.

I can't imagine going back to smoking EVAH! So thankful for the support and e-cigs in general.