I started off at the 24 mg dosage, I didn't set any specific time frames but I'd say it was a goo three months before I decided to "step down" and, at the time, 12mg was the next step.
Turns out that wasn't enough nicotine! Not to worry though, I found out that the cartomizers (the cartridge that connects to the battery, it both contains the atomizer element and holds the "juice") a company that would hand mix and had great flavors.. So they hooked me up with a bottle of 24mg and a big bottle of 0mg to cut with...
As you can guess, it didn't take me long to realize that the nicotine was the "culprit" for my cravings. So I simply started the process of cutting it further and further back until the "nic" was all gone.
I still puffed on the zero MG ecig until I ran out of "juice", then I just set it down.. At that point it was easy cause there was really no addiction, just a silly and pointless habit! lol
By comparison though, I have a friend who started at the same time as me and has never cut back on the nicotine at all.. He's saved a ton of money, he's healthier and he smells better.. So now he's got a girlfriend!
Things to avoid:
1. go to the ecig forums and study up on the latest.. Even my info is over a year old and may not be accurate.
2. Tinkering. It'll be difficult, but avoid ordering 20 different flavors in 10 different strengths, it burns money.
3. Remember, your brain will be fooled but your body will not. You will most likely experience physical side effects, like withdrawals but minimal in comparison.
For example:
Acne. For the first three months I had acne flare ups like I was a teenager again! lol
or when the guys in the office would huddle up for a smoke outside, suddenly the office would feel very cold and I'd simply have to go get some fresh air.
But that's the worst stuff I can remember, and that stuff only lasted a few weeks.
One thing that never happened.. I never craved a cigarette once it was apparent that I could get the nicotine another way. Not once. lol
Anyway, I'm rambling again. Feel free to pick my brain all you like though!