I was there early this morning when the OP posted. Before I could answer the thread was moved to seeking help. I wouldn’t have moved it myself, but I can see why, not because the OP was under the influence, but because they were asking about moderation. About having one 4 mg pouch daily in lieu of smoking. Which is moderation. Which in the framework of this forum is a bad idea to discuss on the open forum as this is an abstinence based forum. This goes for all addictions, but for substance based ones most stringently.
To make room to have these sort of discussions after all, last year the criteria for being moved to Seeking Help were broadened to include, among other things, talking about moderation. Sassyrocks already bumped that thread today. FYI here it is:
So based on the current rules I think moving the thread was justified. Personally I’m not happy with ‘normal’ members having the possibility to move topics to seeking help. Because of what we saw happen this morning, the thread being moved without the OP being aware of it and not knowing how to join seeking help. The mods are spread over the globe and there’s a very good chance there’s one around to immediately take care of business when a PM to @moderators is sent, asking them to look into it.
There’s also a difference between using prescription tools like the patch and gum to help fight withdrawal and taper down nicotine intake to actually quit, and using stuff of your own choice without the aim of quitting. That’s talking harm reduction which is another subject for seeking help.
Something about nicotine: it’s one of, if not the most addictive substance on the planet. All you current vapers and smokers here are a good example. You all quit your DOC’s, which is an incredible feat and for which you all have earned my utmost respect. Yet you have all forgotten about one: nicotine. Your addicted brains are fooling you into thinking you can’t quit or don’t have to quit or whatever. While it’s one of the greatest killers on the planet. I never cease to be amazed at all the smokers amassing outside recovery meetings of whatever denomination I went and go to. Their last ‘vice’ as they call it. It’s not a vice. It’s a deadly addiction.
And actually you all are under the influence of nicotine. Because you are in active addiction. Don’t smoke or vape for a little while (for a heavy smoker as I was it’s about half an hour) and you’ll notice you are. You all need nicotine to fight the withdrawal from it. You all have to keep puffing away to keep the illusion alive there’s nothing happening, there’s no influence. Or don’t smoke or vape for a day or two and see how you feel after that first hit. There’s a lot of influence you’ll notice. You’re all fooling yourselves. That’s addiction for you my friends. Sorry for the speech.