Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. Although it is not considered to be as bad as smoking cigarettes, vaping is not without its risks. Vaping contains a number of harmful chemicals and is known to be very addictive, particularly disposable vapes. If you are thinking about quitting vaping, there are many resources available to help you.

Find out more about the challenges of quitting vaping and see our tips on how to quit vaping here.

 

The Rise of Vaping

Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or a different vaping device to inhale a vapour that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes were first marketed as a much safer alternative to cigarettes, but there is growing evidence that they can also be harmful to health due to the high levels of nicotine that are present in them.

Some of the reasons why people may want to quit vaping include:

  • Health concerns: Vaping can cause a variety of health problems, including lung damage, heart disease, and cancer.
  • Financial concerns: Vaping can be expensive, especially if you use it regularly and use disposable vapes.
  • Nicotine addiction: Vaping can be very addictive, and it can be difficult to quit vaping without help and support.
  • Social stigma: Vaping is becoming increasingly stigmatised, and some people may feel embarrassed or ashamed to vape in public.
  • Want to be a role model: Some people may want to quit vaping so that they can be a good role model for their children or other young people.

Vaping has become very popular over recent years. To begin with, it was considered a healthier way of consuming nicotine in comparison to cigarettes. However, many young people are attracted to the fun flavours of vapes, and this is leading to more and more people becoming addicted to nicotine.

Disposable vapes are particularly popular with young people, and these tend to have very high levels of nicotine, leading to people becoming addicted to them quickly.

 

Why is Vaping Addictive?

Vaping addiction can be just as difficult or more difficult to quit than cigarette smoking. When a person vapes, nicotine enters the bloodstream quickly which causes a rapid release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure. The more a person vapes, the more their brain gets used to the high levels of dopamine, and the harder it becomes to quit.

Nicotine is the addictive substance in vapes. Nicotine addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world, and it is very hard to quit so is important to know how to quit vaping.

 

Challenges Faced When Quitting Vaping

Quitting vaping can be difficult, but it is possible. Here are some of the challenges that you may face when quitting vaping:

  • Nicotine withdrawal: When you quit vaping, your body will go through nicotine withdrawal. This can cause a range of symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and nicotine cravings.
  • Triggers: Triggers are things that make you want to vape. Triggers can be anything from boredom to stress to being around other people who are vaping.
  • Habit: Vaping can become a habit, and it can be difficult to break the habit.
  • Relapse: Relapse is common when quitting vaping. If you relapse, don’t give up. Just pick yourself up and start again.

How to Quit Vaping – A Step-by-Step Guide

Quitting vaping is a challenging but achievable goal. Here are some steps you can take to quit vaping:

  • Set a quit date: Choose a date that you want to quit vaping and stick to it.
  • Tell your friends and family that you are quitting vaping: They can support you and help you stay on track.
  • Get rid of all of your vaping supplies: This will make it less tempting to vape.
  • Find healthy ways to cope with stress: Whenever you feel the urge to vape, find a healthy way to cope with your stress, such as exercising, relaxation techniques, or spending time with your loved ones.
  • Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): NRT can help you reduce your nicotine cravings and make it easier to quit vaping. There are many different types of NRT available, so you can find one that works best for you.
  • Join a support group: There are many support groups available for people who are trying to quit vaping. These groups can provide you with support and motivation.
  • Be patient: Quitting vaping is not easy, but it is possible. Be patient with yourself, and don’t give up if you slip up. Just keep trying, and eventually, you will be successful.

Here are some additional tips that may help you quit vaping:

  • Make a plan: Think about why you want to quit vaping and what you are going to do to quit.
  • Reward yourself: When you reach a milestone, such as one week or one month without vaping, reward yourself with something you enjoy.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your doctor, a therapist, or a support group.

 

Support Systems and Resources

Here are some of the resources that can help you quit vaping:

  • Your doctor: Your doctor can provide you with support and advice on how to quit vaping.
  • The National Cancer Institute: The National Cancer Institute has a website with information on how to quit vaping.
  • The Truth Initiative: The Truth Initiative is a nonprofit organisation that provides resources to help people quit vaping.
  • SmokefreeTXT: SmokefreeTXT is a text message programme that provides support and encouragement to people who are trying to quit vaping.
  • 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 1-800-QUIT-NOW is a free helpline that provides support and advice to people who are trying to quit vaping.

Quitting vaping is a challenge, but it is possible. With the right support and resources, you can stop using a vape and live a healthier life if you know how to quit vaping. If you are worried about yourself or someone else or if you would like to find out more about quitting vaping, it’s important to speak up.

Reach out for the help you need. With the right guidance, you will be able to control your urges to vape and will be able to eliminate the addiction completely. However, it’s important that you remain committed, stay patient, and don’t be afraid of hitting some setbacks along the way.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: August 25, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.