Addressing the question about how vaping has affected me, I'd like to approach it from a different perspective. Vaping has not only impacted my physical health but has also influenced my thinking in unexpected ways. Initially, I approached vaping purely as a personal choice, focusing on the enjoyment and convenience it offered. However, as I delved deeper into the topic and explored its broader implications, my perspective started to shift.Rather than solely considering the physical effects, I began to reflect on the social and cultural aspects surrounding vaping. It made me more aware of the complexities of personal freedoms, individual autonomy, and the role of government regulation. I started questioning the balance between personal choice and societal responsibility.Furthermore, my journey with vaping exposed me to various communities and discussions, where I encountered voices such as Clive Bates (), Michael Siegel (), Ethan Nadelmann (), and Dr. David Abrams of NYU. Their insights and advocacy for harm reduction, as well as the thought-provoking analysis presented in Clive Bates's blog "The Counterfactual" ( opened my eyes to a broader range of perspectives and evidence-based approaches.Through their work, I came to appreciate the importance of considering counterfactuals in public health policy discussions. The acknowledgment that vaping can serve as a harm reduction tool and potentially save lives by providing an alternative to combustible tobacco is a significant aspect that shouldn't be overlooked.Moreover, I became increasingly cognizant of the political dynamics within health agencies. It became evident that leadership positions in these agencies are often filled through political appointments rather than solely based on expertise and experience. This realization raised concerns about the potential influence of political agendas on public health decision-making processes.One prime example of the issues with some funded studies can be realized by examining the ongoing project [5U54DA036105] conducted by the Psychology Department of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This project has received significant funding, totaling over $40 million, as documented in the NIH Reporter database ( Such a substantial amount of funding raises questions about the transparency and potential biases associated with the research.The scrutiny and critical analysis of funded research grants, including the project at VCU, highlight the need for transparency, independent review, and a comprehensive understanding of potential biases. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining an objective and evidence-based approach in evaluating the outcomes and recommendations of such studies.   As a result, my thinking has evolved to encompass a more critical and nuanced approach to public health issues and policy-making. While acknowledging the potential risks and concerns associated with vaping, I now consider the importance of evidence-based decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and the need for a balanced perspective.As for how I feel about my health, having switched to vaping ten years ago after a plethora of attempts to quit smoking with traditional and NRT methods such as patches, gums, lozenges, and even Zyban, I can confidently say that I feel better than ever before. Not only is my physical health significantly improved, as evidenced by the absence of bronchitis or other smoking-related illnesses, but my overall mental well-being has also seen a positive transformation. Vaping has allowed me to adopt a more positive outlook on life, and it has positively impacted my personal relationships as well. No longer being treated as a 'stinky smoker' has greatly improved my self-image and overall quality of life.