
Although it was initially introduced as the less harmful alternative, vaping seems to have quickly created a whole new generation of nicotine addicts.
The vaping trend has evolved into a more complicated public health issue, as the number of vape dependents appears to be growing exponentially, particularly within the younger generation, as per UCT Commerce.
If you are among those who have find themselves deep within a vaping addiction and want out, do not fret. There are a number of ways to kick this habit.
By design, vapes are more appealing than the traditional cigarette. Their diverse offering of countless enticing flavours, coupled with their stylish nature, portableness and easy accessibility make it all the more easier for a gullible consumer to fall into an unsuspecting trap.
Although vaping can seem less dangerous than traditional cigarettes, nicotine addiction is still just that; an addiction.
When embarking on a journey to quit vaping, SA Health suggests starting with writing a list of intention, one that you will keep safe and can access easily when feeling tempted to vape.
After taking that first step, here are a few more helpful tips to help you quit vaping:
Create a ‘quit vaping’ plan
According to the aforementioned source, a planned quitting attempt is more likely succeed than an impulsive one. Therefore, spending time planning out how you plan on quitting will serve to your advantage. Furthermore, they encourage including a start date in the plan.
“Your quit date should allow you enough time to get ready, but not be so far away that you lose interest in quitting in the meantime,” SA Health says.
NSW Health suggests adding these to your plan:
- Decide your method of quitting
- Get rid of your vaping supplies such as e-cigarettes, e-liquid bottles, pods and chargers
- Make your home and car e-cigarette and smoke free
- Practice saying ‘no thanks’ when offered an e-cigarette
- See if you can find a ‘quit buddy’
Consider using counselling and medication together
Methods such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), which come in the form of patches, gums, lozenges, mouth spray and inhalers can be helpful. The same can be said for counselling.
“Nicotine Replacement Therapy is most effective when combined with support from a health professional who can provide tips for how to manage cravings and regularly review to see how you are going,” NSW Health says.
Manage cravings
Healthline lists these suggestions to help manage your cravings:
- Avoid your triggers
- Carry a snack with you
- Try deep breathing, meditation or other relaxation strategies
- Distract yourself
Also see: Why decision fatigue is draining you — and how to fix it