Quitting is no small feat and can look very different from person to person. It requires strength and willpower to reach your goals with nicotine.
For many, nicotine addition and quitting is an embarrassing experience some would rather keep under lock and key then share even with some of their closest friends. At Jones, we’re unlocking these stories to share helpful pieces of quitting advice from Jones Quitters.
Whether you’re an experienced quitter or a prospective one, we hope you can take what you need from these personal stories.
We spoke with four real quitters about their nicotine dependency and quitting journey.
Makena, LA
Q: How did you start vaping, and how did it become a habit?
A: Going away to college led to many changes in my life and caused me to form new habits. A habit I didn't see myself getting so used to was hitting my vape. It started with a hit every now and then, but before I knew it, it became the first and last thing I did before waking up and falling asleep each day. I was convinced it eased my stress, helped me focus, and I even thought it made me look cool.
Q: What methods did you try to quit vaping, and what eventually worked for you?
A: Quitting cold turkey never seemed to stick for me, so I wanted to use a different method and decided to try nicotine replacement therapy mints. Using Jones mints allowed me to gradually wean off my vape and focus on reframing my mindset around nicotine.
Q: How do you define being a "quitter," and what does it mean to you?
A: Quitting isn’t easy, so I’ve found giving myself grace has been really helpful. To me, being a quitter doesn’t necessarily mean I’m fully nicotine-free, but it means that I’ve regained control over my body and mind and can consciously interact with nicotine when I choose to. Whether it’s a hit here and there or a mint to help me through my urges, I’m proud of myself, and I try not to let a single setback ruin any progress I’ve made! I’m proud to now be able to consider myself a quitter!
Kofi, NYC
Q: How did your relationship with vaping evolve, and what led you to decide it was time to quit?
A: My relationship with vaping changed so many times, going from the joy of buying another one to the embarrassment of having a drawer of them in my room. But when it started messing with my health, I decided it was more than time to stop. Trying to stop was/is hard when the stressful moments and best times are happening. It felt normal to have a vape in my hand at all times.
Q: What approach did you take to quit vaping?
A: Easing off of it was the easiest for me. Cold turkey is for some, but I wanted time to really make peace with my urges, and Jones made it really easy to. Curing urges in the office, showing that it’s just a momentary thing, moving on, and celebrating that I didn’t give in. It’s the little wins.
Q: What important takeaways do you have from your quitting journey?
A: I’ve also learned that shit happens. If I’m not my #1 supporter, I can’t expect anyone else to be it. And that applies to more than just quitting. Jones really helps in those times where I come oh so close but don’t even feel the need to anymore.
Crystal, NYC
Q: How long did you vape for, and what challenges did you face while trying to quit?
A: So I’ve vaped for around 7 years. I really struggled with it for what feels like a lifetime. I tried to quit cold turkey 3-4 times with Allen Carr’s Quit Smoking book, but it always resulted in a relapse!
Q: What led you to quit this time?
A: One day, I got a DM from Jones and decided to try the mints since I was going to China soon. I wasn’t even trying to quit! After my vape died overseas and I couldn’t buy another, I accidentally started my quitting journey.
Q: How do you feel about your experience with Jones?
A: Jones inadvertently helped me do something that I’ve been struggling my whole adulthood to do. I’m so grateful for a simple DM that has been a catalyst that resulted in the beginning of a healthier life.
Bishop, LA
Q: When did you start vaping or smoking?
A: I first started vaping and smoking when I was 15 years old. I feel like my relationship with smoking and vaping has been the most toxic relationship of my life, lol. Quitting on month’s end just to start back up again.
Q: How has Jones helped you with your nicotine goals?
A: Jones has helped me with my nicotine goals by satisfying my fixations. This is the lowest amount of nicotine intake I’ve had in years.
Q: What does being a quitter mean to you?
A: Being a quitter makes me feel like myself again. I want to take care of my body and my health all around.
The Jones dependency quiz* shows that 85% of quiz takers tried to quit vaping multiple times before finding Jones. These personal stories highlight the challenges of quitting vaping or smoking, and show us that although many try to quit cold-turkey, this approach doesn’t always lead to success. By sharing these experiences, we aim to normalize the quitting process and offer encouragement to those embarking on their own journey to cut back or become nicotine-free.
**The Jones dependency quiz has over 10,000 responses.
Help Jones normalize the quitting experience and educate the quitting curious by sharing your story. Send an email to lucy@quitwithjones.com and we’ll send you some mints or swag as a thank you.
