Anyone tried non tobacco cigarettes

[ultimatum]

So, has anyone ever tried the herbal, non-tobacco cigarettes? I remember trying one several years ago (thought it was a flavored cigarette, hah!), but it has been a while. On the patch but still having an oral fixation issue. And I know that all smoke is still bad for you, just wanted an opinion on how this helps with the habit. Thanks!

[historyteach]

I don't *think* it would help at all.

You will be simulating smoking a cigarette, therefore, you will not be breaking the behavioral habbit. And once the physical addiction is broken, in a matter of days, it's the phychological addiction that holds us in the nicodemon's grip. So, to simulate that behavior, the hand action, the inhaling, the oral fixation, with another type of cigarette, would just lead me right back to the cigarettes again.

Personally, *I* wouldn't do it.
We've got to change the behaviors.

Shalom!

[Jimmy123]

I have a much cheaper suggestion go to a health club and smoke peoples sweaty sox that get left around they taste the same and offer the same amount of pleasure. Herbals are just a gimic and what everyone said about prolonging the oral fixation is right on the mark stick with a stick of Juicy Fruit you nedd to have something in your mouth

[cece1960]

I use a non nicotine cig (Quest) when I know I'll be in a tough situation (my friends and family all smoke)
I bring them along because I feel I'll cave and I really don't want to avoid everyone I know for months and months.
It works for me, and I hate them enough to only smoke one or two. I've been lucky in that I don't even desire one during the week.
I will tell you though, I believe its prolonging the cravings. They sneak up on me at home when I least expect it. And I don't want one of the non nics I want a REAL one.
So, the others are right, it doesn't help in the behavior mod area.

[sailorjohn]

Originally Posted by ultimatum

So, has anyone ever tried the herbal, non-tobacco cigarettes? I remember trying one several years ago (thought it was a flavored cigarette, hah!), but it has been a while. On the patch but still having an oral fixation issue. And I know that all smoke is still bad for you, just wanted an opinion on how this helps with the habit. Thanks!

I wouldn't, like someone else said, you're just reinforcing the cigarettes as oral fixation thing. What was once suggested to me, and it seems like a very good substitute, is to carry bottled water, when the urge strikes drink the water. Not only satisfies the oral fixation, most people don't drink enough water in any event.

[ultimatum]

Yep. I broke down and bought a pack of the herbals and then the real kind 2 days later. Not very wise, and yes they do prolong the cravings. Darnit. I've gone back to keeping 3 or 4 packs of gum on my person at all times.