Vaping vs. Smoking: Which is Harder to Quit?

Vaping was supposed to be easier to quit than smoking. But many former smokers who switched to vaping report the opposite. Let's look at the science and experiences behind both.

The Nicotine Factor

Both cigarettes and vapes deliver nicotine, but the delivery differs significantly:

Why Some Say Vaping is Harder to Quit

1. No Built-In Breaks

A cigarette takes 5-7 minutes to smoke and then it's done. A vape can be hit indefinitely. Many vapers report taking hundreds of puffs per day without realizing it—far more nicotine exposures than a smoker typically has.

2. Constant Accessibility

Smokers have to go outside, find a smoking area, and deal with weather. Vapers can use their device in bed, in the bathroom, at their desk—wherever. This means the habit becomes woven into every moment of life, making it harder to untangle.

3. Higher Nicotine Loads

Modern pod systems deliver nicotine very efficiently. A single pod can contain as much nicotine as 1-2 packs of cigarettes. Heavy vapers may consume significantly more nicotine than heavy smokers ever did.

4. Perceived Harmlessness

Fear of health consequences motivates many smokers to quit. Vapers, believing (incorrectly) that their habit is harmless, lack this motivation. "Why quit something that isn't hurting me?" is a common thought—even though it's not accurate.

Why Some Say Smoking is Harder to Quit

1. Additional Chemicals

Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals besides nicotine, including MAOIs that may enhance addiction. Some researchers believe this makes cigarette addiction more complex than pure nicotine addiction.

2. Decades of Habit

Many smokers have smoked for 20, 30, 40+ years. That's decades of ingrained habit and association. Vapers, with the technology only becoming mainstream in the 2010s, typically have shorter addiction histories.

3. Stronger Social Stigma

Smoking is heavily stigmatized, which can actually work against quitting—smokers may hide their habit and not seek support. But it also provides external motivation to quit.

Withdrawal: How They Compare

The withdrawal process is similar for both, since both involve nicotine dependence:

• Timeline: Both peak around day 3 and improve over 2-4 weeks
• Symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, cravings, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite
• Intensity: May be more intense for high-nicotine vapers due to greater dependence

What This Means for Quitting

The bottom line: both are difficult, and comparing difficulty is less useful than focusing on your own quit journey. What matters is:

• Your nicotine dependence level—how much are you using?
• Your habit patterns—when and where do you use?
• Your triggers—what makes you reach for it?
• Your motivation—why do you want to quit?

Strategies That Work for Both

1. Set a quit date and prepare in advance
2. Remove all products and paraphernalia
3. Tell people for accountability
4. Use a quit app to track progress
5. Expect and plan for cravings
6. Consider NRT if going cold turkey is too intense
7. Be patient—the first week is the hardest

The Bottom Line

Whether you're quitting cigarettes, vapes, or both—the journey is challenging but absolutely achievable. Millions of people have successfully quit nicotine in all its forms. The key is commitment, preparation, and self-compassion.

Don't let anyone tell you that your addiction "isn't that hard" to quit. And don't let anyone tell you it's impossible either. It's hard and it's doable. Both are true.