Some say yes, others say no. Whatever the response, people are citing a number of different reasons for their opinion.

Those who believe that an electronic cigarette is safer than a regular cigarette give several typical responses. One is that the device is safer because no tobacco product is being burned, thus no tars or chemicals are being taken into the body (as happens with regular cigarettes).

Others say that an electronic cigarette is safer because even if the contains some nicotine liquid, the amount taken in is nowhere near that of a regular cigarette. Less nicotine means less danger from nicotine intake; plus, taking in less nicotine can help them cut down or even stop smoking regular cigarettes.

The argument is also made that an electronic cigarette is safer because nothing is burning. There is no danger of burning oneself or someone else with the lit end, or of anything catching fire should one fall asleep while smoking an electronic cigarette. This can be especially true, they say, of those devices that have automatic shut-off features that operate when the device has not been puffed on for a while.

Those who take an opposing view say they believe an electronic cigarette is not safer because the filters and delivery methods in the devices can actually release harmful chemicals. They also say that if one smokes an electronic cigarette that contains liquid nicotine, the chemical is being absorbed in the body, and even a small amount is too much.

They also say that anyone who truly wants to quit smoking can take advantage of smoking cessation methods such as nicotine patches or even acupuncture, which is a part of traditional Chinese medicine practices. Any of these may help someone be able to stop smoking entirely, without having to rely on e-cigarettes.

Some would say yes, that you simply cannot have one without the other. These, however, may be the ones who are the most affected by cigarette smoking restrictions or even outright bans in workplaces and other public areas. For them, the decision may be between having coffee or a cigarette, as it may be very difficult for them to do both.

For these people, an electric cigarette may be the answer. An electric cigarette does not produce real tobacco smoke that contains the tars, nicotine, and other chemicals that are found in regular tobacco products, nor is there the lingering odor of cigarette smoke. Further, an electric cigarette does not produce any ash and the “smoke” that is produced is simply exhaled water vapor.

If smokers are in the workplace, they may ask their supervisor if smoking an e-cigarette in designated non-smoking areas is allowable. They can explain that the “smoke” is simply water vapor, perhaps scented with menthol or other flavorings.

They can also explain that the water vapor is not the same as “secondhand smoke” that is produced by a regular cigarette. There are no tars or other chemicals, and the nicotine liquid itself has been filtered through the water vapor.

If the e-cigarette smoker is told that it is all right to smoke an e-cigarette in designated non-smoking areas, and if co-workers do not object (some may be sensitive to even the “smoke” caused by the water vapor), then the pairing of coffee and a cigarette can occur again. If, however, the answer is no, or there is objection from co-workers, the e-cigarette user may have to make the decision of which one is more important—the cigarette or the coffee.  Hopefully they all choose the coffee, as it is nowhere near as dangerous as a regular cigarette!

Overcoming addictions can be one of the most difficult things a person can do. Many people have spent a part of their life fighting addictions. One of the most difficult and deadly addictions is cigarette addiction. Nicotine is the primary cause of cigarette addiction – not the cigarettes themselves. Although nicotine is the agent that makes cigarettes addictive, it is the smoke and carcinogens that make smoking so deadly. Not only are cigarettes adverse to the health of smokers, cigarettes can also harm the non-smokers around them due to second-hand smoke.

Many have tried various gimmicks and programs to help defeat a smoking addiction. Anything from drinking grapefruit juice or green tea to taking a bath are common suggestions to help overcome cigarette addiction.

A large industry surrounding addiction treatments continues to develop. Many drugs, devices and programs have been developed to ease the process of quitting smoking. The TV and radio are filled with advertisements selling the latest and greatest method or device to help overcome addictions. Some are more promising than others. E cigarettes are a device that shows some promise.

As opposed to the patch or gum, where small doses of nicotine are either absorbed through the skin or ingested, E cigarettes deliver nicotine almost exactly like a real cigarette – through inhaling. E cigarettes are what their name implies: Electronic cigarettes. They are composed of a tube with an element that vaporizes a nicotine solution as the user inhales through the tube. They are often manufactured to resemble actual cigarettes and the process of “smoking” one closely resembles the act of smoking a real cigarette.

This replication of smoking while eliminating the deadly smoke both inhaled and exhaled make the e cigarette a great option for those wanting to try another method to quit smoking.