Disclaimer: This NOT a safe solution for pregnant or breast feeding mothers.

I think we should start this off with a little about the author of the article in order to paint a picture of who I think is the intended user of this product: I was a heavy smoker. Very heavy, in fact. Two packs a day for nearly a decade. I found myself saying “I want to quit smoking” for many reasons, but just couldn't get it done.

I had tried to quit outright but roadblocks kept appearing. Bad reactions to the patch leading to symptoms of nicotine overdose kept me from using that, a history of bipolar disorder kept me from making use of Chantix (though for those who do have this option available, I have only heard good things about this stop smoking drug) and while I tried to go cold turkey, I simply didn't have the will power.

On top of it all, I like smoking. I genuinely enjoy it. It's tough for me to let go of the actual process of doing it. I don't know about you but addiction, habit and an actual enjoyment of the act is a pretty tough trifecta to just brush off. So I was screwed. Or so I thought.

Enter electronic cigarettes – Smoking alternatives that retain the feel of smoking.

While awareness of these little marvels is growing, I'm sure that there are some who have landed here confused as to what these things could be, so before we get to the different types, we'll start with very basic facts about what they are.

• Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine through the inhalation of water vapor. This satisfies the craving and the habit without inhaling smoke.
• Electronic cigarettes are usually comprised of a battery, and atomizer to create the vapor and a cartridge containing the nicotine itself.
  
• They do vary in size depending on make and model, but most electronic cigarettes are similar enough to your average cigarette as to be unobtrusive and easy to handle. Their one downside in this area would be their weight – you won't have one dangling in your lips but, since the end is plastic and won't get soggy like a traditional cigarette, sticking it between your teeth will give you the same hands free effect.
• Electronic cigarettes, on top of the health benefits, have another thing in their favor: You can “smoke” them anywhere. It's not smoke, there's no smell, there's no “second hand” anything and there is no flame. At the bar, the ballgame, the movies, you're never left in a situation where your good time is being ruined or interrupted by a craving.
• If, once you've moved off your traditional cigarettes and over to the e-cig completely, you'd like to step down your nicotine intake and use the device to an effect like a version of the patch that also satisfies the habit, cartridges are available in four strengths ranging from “high” to “none” with both brands. While this is not marketed as a method to wean yourself off of nicotine addiction, the option to step down your intake is there and can be used to that effect should you decide to.
  

Most brands operate the same, very simple way. You take your fully charged battery (and most units will come with a backup so that you always have one fully charged), attach it to the small atomizer and attach your nicotine cartridge to the other end of the atomizer. Depending on your brand, you now have anywhere from 10-20 cigarettes worth of nicotine ready to go. How you use it is even more simple. Pull it out of your pocket, place the cartridge end in your mouth and inhale. That's it. The unit will be on standby until the suction triggers it, and will go back to standby the second you cease to inhale. Depending on the brand, you'll need about 10-15 of these puffs to equal your normal cigarette. When you're satisfied, just toss it back in your pocket. No ash, no flame, no smoke, no smell – just the end to your craving. Easily my favorite way to quit smoking. Now let's talk about brands.

Smoke Anywhere
The smoking anywhere electronic cigarette is probably the best option for anyone seeking one of these devices in your standard cigarette shape. Its size is comparable to your normal 100 length cigarette and while the unit itself is nearly double the price of its strongest competitor, its cartridges are the equivalent to one pack of cigarettes, as opposed to the Crown7's half pack. Since the cartridges cost the same ($9.99) per pack of five, the Smoking Anywhere brand, while more expensive on the initial purchase, will cost you less over time. They even have cartridges that, on top of your nicotine, give you a multivitamin for the same price. While each company offers flavors that the other does not, Smoking Anywhere does offer the largest variety of flavors.

Crown 7
While we covered above Crown7's shortcomings against to the Smoking Anywhere brand when the product is the cigarette shaped device, they offer an “e-cigarette” that, while larger than a traditional cigarette and therefore lacking a truly authentic feel, has cartridges equal to two full packs of cigarettes that sell for $12.99 per per pack of five. Clearly, while the cost is the same as the Smoke Anywhere model, this unit wins out on overall value if you don't mind its extra bulk and slightly odd shape at the tip. The Hydro model, referenced above in the Smoke Anywhere section, has the traditional feel of a cigarette but with cartridges that last half as long for the same price, isn't much of a contender.

Another boon for Crown 7 is that ALL of their models include a backup battery, so no matter what you can have one charging and one in use at all times without added cost to you. While they do offer flavors that Smoke Anywhere does not, Crown 7 loses out on the sheer number of flavors available if you factor in the vitamin cartridges offered by their competitor.

In July 2009, the FDA began to hold some shipments of electronic cigarette devices coming into the US. They also issued a press release stating that electronic cigarettes are marketed to minors and could pose health risks.

The facts are in. They're here right now: Electronic cigarettes pose no more health risk than FDA approved smoking cessation methods like the patch, nicotine gum and others. One of the risks they're out to save you from is even "nicotine addiction," which, if you're in the market for one of these devices, I would assume it's a little late for. The bottom line is that this is so much safer, can save so many lives and to restrict smoking to only tobacco is to doom millions of people who are already quite addicted to nicotine.

The leading cause of preventable death in the US has been allowed to go with no more than a warning on its package for decades. To attempt to ban a true solution under false pretenses isn't just irresponsible, it's murder. Smoking Everywhere has even filed a lawsuit against the embargo.

Also in 2009, a group of electronic cigarette manufacturers banded together to create the Electronic Cigarette Association. A group committed to dispelling falsehoods about their product and keeping it legal. They're even headed by a former US Congressman, Matt Salmon, who was the driving force behind one of the first public smoking bans in the country and The American Cancer Association's pick for Congressman of the Year. Below is his and their statement on the issue.

I'm not writing this for any sort of payment but because I really believe that this is a great product that removes the health risk from your nicotine addiction, no matter which brand you choose. For someone like me who needed to quit flirting with cancer, to stop smoking, but just couldn't seem to shake the habit, these things are a godsend. A way to keep your crutch without dealing with its obvious downsides and in fact coming with a few bonuses: Your spouse or significant other having to taste cigarettes when they kiss you, for example. You'll spend less, smell better, FEEL better since you're not inhaling any smoke at all and all without the pain of withdrawals.

If you're hopelessly addicted to nicotine, quitting hasn't worked, you're sick of having to step outside to satisfy your cravings as smoking bans crack down everywhere, or if you just plain love to smoke but aren't so wild about that pesky “Death” thing, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and look into either one of these companies. Both are reputable merchants who sell quality products that will vastly improve your health and quality of life.