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.
- You’ll feel better
- Your body and mind will feel better.
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.
Quitting can improve your mental health. The nicotine in vapes may worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Vaping is not an effective way to cope with sadness or depression.
We are still learning about all the health risks related to vaping.
But we do know that vaping is not safe and short-term use can cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- mouth and airway irritation
- coughing
- shortness of breath.
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. 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.
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 may apply – check your app store for details.
- Quitline (13 7848) is a confidential phone service. You can talk to a counsellor about ways to quit. In some states and territories you can chat to a counsellor online.
- Your GP or a trusted health professional can give you useful information and helpful advice on how to quit vaping.
- Confide in family or a trusted adult for support and guidance.
- Share your quitting journey with friends and family who support your decision.
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