Ugh. I'm so sorry to hear that. It is SO FUCKING hard to quit, I really do feel where he's coming from. It's a mental and physical addiction. I've read that your brain chemistry while quitting smoking is comparable to those trying to quit heroine or cocaine. I think your support has probably been key in helping him cut down, though.
Well that doesn't help me
It really is from what I've seen. It's worth noting that I doubt he stood a chance in not picking it up. In the military, especially on the flightline, smoking is unintentionally encouraged because people get smoke breaks that they would not usually get. Breaks for the sake of resting and cooling down from work for a few in the military isn't a thing. So, if you don't smoke, you don't get to step away from work much. Most days my husband doesn't even get to eat lunch. He's literally eating on the truck unless he's driving, then he isn't eating at all. This is really shitty when you think about it and it's no wonder so many stressed out military folk smoke. When he gets home from work tonight, I can find out more about his vape too and give you the info.