With the rapid rise in youth vaping, vaping-related illnesses are cropping up across the country. With the possible connection between vaping and an increased risk of coronavirus, many may be contemplating how to quit vaping.

Why Should I Quit Vaping?

There are many reasons why quitting e-cigarette products is a good idea, especially as research emerges linking vaping with significant health risks.

As of Feb. 18, a total of 2,807 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and sixty-eight deaths had been confirmed across the states.

E-cigarette addiction, like any addiction, can lead to a lack of control over your own life. It may begin to affect the way you think and feel, and it may even begin to affect your relationships with those closest to you. Vaping addiction may affect your schoolwork or grades, your after-school activities, and your hobbies. You may also find that in order to maintain your vaping habit, you end up spending a lot of money—maybe more than you intended.

Do I Have to Quit All Forms of Tobacco?

Many people who vape also use other tobacco products, including traditional cigarettes. While you could ostensibly quit vaping and maintain your other tobacco habits, quitting tobacco completely is the best approach for your health.

Finding non-addictive substitutes can help distract you from the desire to vape such as chewing on toothpicks or straws, or eating hard candies, pretzel sticks, popcorn, or other snacks. These kinds of things can help keep both your hands and your mouth busy when you might otherwise be craving the sensation of vaping. Fruity candies or actual fruit could help replicate fruit-flavored vapes. Meditation or yoga can also help to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

How Much Help Do I Need?

Unfortunately, knowing how to quit vaping and actually being able to follow through on it are two very different things. As with any addiction, e-cigarette addiction can be hard to kick. It’s essential, therefore, to surround yourself with supportive people who will help you stay on course and achieve your goal.

Friends and family are a great resource when trying to quit vaping. Ask people that you trust for support, and be specific about what you think you’ll need. Also remember that supportive friends and family deserve to be supported right back, so make sure you’re supporting them with the goals or issues in their lives as well.

You can also talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional about how to quit vaping, who may be able to provide further support and resources.

Sometimes, people in your life—acquaintances or even friends—may not understand why it’s important for you to quit. If someone is not supportive, or tries to convince you that quitting isn’t worth it, seek out the supportive people in your life and remind yourself why you committed to quitting in the first place.

How Widespread is the Problem?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that the use of e-cigarettes among youth is an “epidemic,” and one of the FDA’s current biggest challenges.

“I use the word epidemic with great care,” then–FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. said in a 2018 statement. “E-cigs have become an almost ubiquitous—and dangerous—trend among teens. The disturbing and accelerating trajectory of use we’re seeing in youth, and the resulting path to addiction, must end … The FDA won’t tolerate a whole generation of young people becoming addicted to nicotine as a tradeoff for enabling adults to have unfettered access to these same products.”

Indeed, Gottlieb’s statement reflected concern over the number of young people currently vaping as well as the skyrocketing numbers. According to the FDA, between 2017 and 2018, e-cigarette use among high schoolers increased by 78 percent. Even among middle schoolers — who are far too young to buy e-cigarettes legally — the numbers increased by 48 percent.

By 2019, there were more than 5 million middle and high school e-cigarette users, with some 20 percent of these kids vaping on a daily basis.

Can I File a Lawsuit?

If you or your child has struggled with nicotine addiction or other negative health effects because of e-cigarette usage, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.