Vaping has helped millions of people successfully quit smoking over the years , but what did people do before e-cigarettes were invented ? In this feature , we ’ ve curated a list of the most weird and wonderful ways people have tried to kick the habit . While we commend their efforts to end their addiction and take back control of their health , wouldn ’ t it have been easier to pick up a vape ?
THE CAGE
A long-time Turkish smoker locked his head in a home-made cage following countless failed quitting attempts . After losing his father to lung cancer , Ibrahim Yücel vowed to kick his twopack-a-day habit once and for all . He took inspiration from motorcycle helmets , crafting his own anti-smoking headgear from 130 feet of copper wire . Yücel even fitted a padlock to the cage , giving the key to his family who would only open it during meals .
THE PACIFIER
Austin Powers and Gossip Girl star Elizabeth Hurley was spotted sucking a dummy during a shoot in the Caribbean . When questioned , she confirmed it was her third attempt to quit and the dummy was a way to replace cigarettes .
A spokesperson said that she had decided to try the pacifier after reading a copy of Desmond Morris ’ ‘ Man Watching ’. While she was caught smoking after the dummy fiasco , Hurley revealed she ’ d quit for good during a 2019 interview .
THE RESCUE MISSION
What better reason to quit smoking than to save a dying dog ? While on a holiday in Corfu , Cheryl Hague and her husband came across a springer spaniel that was a little worse for wear .
THE HYPNOTIST
After deciding to end her 22-year addiction , journalist and lifetime smoker Aneesha Baig cautiously turned to hypnotherapy . Although sceptical , she undertook a virtual hypnosis session via Skype and ended her 30-a-day habit almost in an instant . She said : “ I started the conversation with a cigarette in hand and two hours later , I found myself collecting all my ashtrays , lighters and cigarettes . Sometimes something works , even when you think it shouldn ’ t … nobody who knew me thought I could ever quit and here I am .”
They recognised the dog was in bad shape and wanted to help as these animals were often shot or poisoned to reduce the stray population . They eventually decided to take it home with them , but not before having to put it in a six-month quarantine .
To cover the costs , Cheryl quit smoking , saying the thought of saving the dog helped her to stay off cigarettes . Although the cravings took two years to completely fade , Cheryl said she is much happier now and has even started running marathons .
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