Reasons to quit vaping
Finding your inspo or what motivates you to quit will help you keep at it when things get tough. People have different reasons for wanting to cut back or quit vaping. These might be some of your reasons to try and stop, but you may have others. Think about which ones work for you. Here are some common reasons why you may choose to stop vaping:
- You’ll feel better
- Your body and mind will feel better
- You’ll be saving money by not buying vapes
- You won’t be dependent on nicotine
- You’ll motivate your friends to feel like they can quit too
When you stop vaping, your body will get a chance to repair the damage done by regularly inhaling chemicals. Quitting while you’re young will protect your developing brain from harm caused by nicotine and help avoid any long-term harms.
Quitting can improve your mental health. Vaping is not an effective way to cope with sadness or depression. The nicotine in vapes may worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, and withdrawal can make you feel more nervous, restless, and irritable.
We know that vaping is not safe and can cause:
- nausea and dizziness
- lung inflammation and throat irritation
- persistent cough
- breathing problems such as shortness of breath and wheezing, which can also decrease physical performance
- gum inflammation and bleeding
- a temporary loss or change of taste
- nicotine poisioning
- nicotine dependence.
Quitting vaping is one of the best things you can do. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
You’ll feel free
When you quit vaping, you’ll break your body’s dependence on nicotine. You’ll feel more in control and have more freedom to make choices about your life that don’t revolve around vaping. You won’t be restricted and always thinking about finding time and places to vape.
You’ll have more money
Every dollar you save by not vaping can be spent on things that are more important to you. If you spend $20 a week on vaping, you could save over $1,000 a year by quitting. You’ll stop wasting money on something that is harmful to your health. Work out how much you could save by quitting vaping and what you could do with this money instead.
You’ll be helping your friends, family and the environment
When you vape, it affects those around you and the environment. When you quit, it’s good for everyone because you’re protecting those around you. You’ll also encourage and motivate your friends to think about or try to quit too.
Vapes have a massive impact on the environment. Many vape pods are plastic (made from non-renewable fossil fuels) and can’t be recycled as they contain toxic chemicals and nicotine. When vapes are littered or go into landfill, they contaminate the environment with poisons like nicotine, heavy metals, and flammable lithium-ion batteries. This waste takes centuries to break down.
Who to talk to about quitting
Quitting vaping is a major step towards improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive. If you’re currently trying to quit, you might be having cravings and find it difficult to give it up. Remind yourself why quitting is good for you and it’s okay if it takes a few tries to be completely vape-free.
Finding the right support can help you to quit successfully. You’re not alone on the journey.
If you’re vaping and thinking about quitting, there are lots of options and resources to support and motivate you.
- Download the free My QuitBuddy app – you’ll get personalised information and advice to support you on your quit journey. Age restrictions apply (13+ years).
- Download the free PAVE app - you can make a plan track your progress to help you become vape-free. Go to quit.org.au for personalised help with your quitting journey. You can also call the confidential Quitline (13 7848)to talk to a counsellor about ways to quit. In some states and territories, you can chat to a counsellor online.
- Your doctor or a trusted health professional can give you useful information and helpful advice on how to quit vaping.
- Find a friend who wants to quit vaping too and support each other. Or ask a trusted friend to support you on your journey. It can be easier to quit with a friend.
- Confide in family or a trusted adult for support and guidance.
- Share your quitting journey with friends and family who support your decision.
Dealing with cravings
If you’re currently trying to quit, you might be having cravings. Dealing with cravings can be challenging, but they usually only last a few minutes and it gets easier with time. There are things you can do to help resist the urge to vape and keep you on track to quit. Don’t forget, it often takes people a few tries to be completely vape-free.
Cravings happen so when they do, try the ‘4 Ds’.
- Delay – wait a few minutes. Cravings usually pass.
- Deep breathe – take 3 slow, deep breaths.
- Distract yourself – do something else:
- listen to music
- go for a walk
- chat to a friend
- using the My QuitBuddy app or Pave app
- Drink water – sip it slowly and enjoy the taste.
Remember, cravings are temporary and it will get easier with time.
Read more about going vape-free and other things you can do instead of vaping.
Help and support
Quitline
Kids Helpline
Beyond Blue
headspace
More information
Find more information on vaping and where you can get support to quit.
- Australian Government information about quitting smoking and vaping for adults – Give Up For Good
- NSW Health Facts about vaping – Do you know what you are vaping?
- VicHealth – Everything we know so far about vaping
- QLD Health – Nothing sweet about vapes
- WA Health - E-cigarettes and vaping
- Quitline – See through the haze
- Cancer Council WA – Clear the air
- Minderoo Foundation – UNCLOUD
- Lung Foundation Australia – Vaping and young people (age 12 to 17 years)
- Lung Foundation Australia – Vaping and young people (age 18 to 24 years)
Find a quit service near you
- ACT – Get help to quit
- NSW – Services to help you quit
- QLD – Quit HQ
- SA – Quitting smoking
- TAS – Quit Tasmania
- VIC – Quit Victoria
- WA – Quitline WA