Module 4:

Finding Support

Vaping is an unhealthy habit, and it can be hard for teens to see through this bad habit. Users might experience different emotional and physical symptoms that make them feel worse, and they may not realize that it is connected to their vaping use.  If you do vape or if you are trying to help a friend quit, it is important to remember that feeling unsure about what to do or who to talk to is completely normal. Quitting vaping is difficult, but no one must go through it alone.

Quitting vaping can be one of the hardest things to do, whether someone has been vaping for years or just started, it is a difficult process. During this time, the body can experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include feeling more irritable and anxious than usual. Because this period can be emotionally and mentally overwhelming, it is important to talk to a trusted adult or friend.

Asking for help can look different for everyone. Here are some examples of what you can say if you want help quitting:

If you are supporting someone who is trying to quit, being patient and encouraging can make all the difference. Here are some examples of what a supportive friend sounds like:

If someone is quitting, it will be important to find healthy hobbies and activities that will distract them when experiencing a craving or feeling tempted to take a hit.

Healthy distractions could be anything like exercising, reading, writing, cooking, visiting loved ones, or spending time outdoors.  If none of these seem interesting, remember that any time spent not vaping is a step toward successfully quitting. The key is to find something enjoyable that has absolutely nothing to do with vaping, so it distracts them from giving in.

One of the most important things someone can do is to fill their time with activities that will keep them distracted instead of waiting for a temptation to happen. In this video, Leanne discusses something called “coping ahead,” which helps to put a plan in place for when a craving hits.

Quitting vaping isn’t easy, and it’s normal to have cravings or slip ups. Setbacks don’t mean failure; what matters is staying focused on the goal of quitting. Any kind of progress is good, whether it’s an hour, day, or week without vaping. Remember to keep going because every move forward counts!

If you are helping a friend quit, encouragement and reminders of their progress can make a big difference. Don’t forget to help them celebrate a win!

In this video, Leanne explains how relapse can happen to teens who are trying to quit and highlight the importance of having a support system.

Nicotine is as addictive as alcohol, heroin, and cocaine. So, quitting vaping can be extremely hard. The good news is that there are so many resources available for teens who want to quit, and most of them are free.

Here are a few helpful resources to quit: