Breaking the Habit: My Journey Beyond Cigarettes
Over the past year, I’ve been asked the same questions over drinks, in emails, or just in passing. What’s it really like going smoke free? Has it changed anything? Is it worth it? Here’s my take—my experience, not advice.
None of the brands mentioned have paid me, and I’m not encouraging anyone to start or switch. If you’re curious, do your research or talk to a doctor. In South Africa, these products are for adults only.
The Decision That Stuck
I smoked for over a decade. My twenties were defined by cigarettes. Like many, I tried quitting—sometimes for weeks, sometimes for a day or two. Nothing lasted.
Two years ago, everything shifted. At a media launch for a heated tobacco device by Philip Morris International, I decided to go smoke free. No fireworks, no big moment—just a decision. But it changed more than I expected.
Heated Tobacco, Explained
That one decision has changed my whole vibe. If you aren’t clued up on it, IQOS (by Philip Morris International) is a science-based product that heats tobacco instead of burning it. You’ve also got brands like Glo (British American Tobacco) and Ploom (Japan Tobacco) overseas.
I’ve reached out to their local PR agencies to see if they’re launching in the South African market, but it’s been quiet on that front. I haven’t seen them in our local shops yet, though I’ve spotted them while travelling internationally. For now, IQOS is the main player on home soil.
Life, Redesigned
The social impact surprised me first. In Cape Town, more bars and restaurants allow smoke-free alternatives indoors. You don’t have to step outside. It sounds small, but it matters. You stay at the table, part of the conversation, not fading out halfway through.
Travelling abroad made the contrast even sharper. In Italy, using these devices felt completely normal. No stress, no judgement. It made me realise how differently countries embrace smoke-free alternatives—and how much room there is for change at home.
Physical and Mental Wins
Physically, the difference is obvious. I sleep better, my chest feels clearer, and yes, my breath is fresher—something that matters more than most admit.
I’ve added ZYN nicotine pouches and the VEEV vapour device to my routine. ZYN is discreet, fits under your lip, has no smoke, no vapour, and no device. Perfect for flights, meetings, or moments when stepping outside isn’t an option. It lets you stay present, calm, and considerate of those around you.
The nicotine pouch market is growing fast. ZYN leads, with VELO and On! gaining ground globally. In South Africa, these products are becoming easier to find. What once felt niche is entering stores and online retailers, and wider access could save lives.
Fitness, Two Years Later
Two years in, the biggest change is physical. I recently ran my first 5-kilometre race. My energy is higher, breathing is easier, and fitness feels achievable.
Hearing from others has been inspiring. Some have begun smoke-free journeys, others have quit nicotine entirely. Both paths are valid. There’s no single way—it’s personal.
Looking Ahead
Globally, Sweden shows how behaviour can shift. Smoking rates are low, and oral nicotine products are common. At events like the Global Nicotine Forum, the discussion focuses on safer alternatives for people not ready to quit nicotine. There’s no easy answer—but the conversation is growing.
Two years smoke free feels like progress. Still learning, still adjusting, still discovering what works. And honestly, it feels good.
