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Vaping

Information and guidance on vaping in young people.

Vaping is for adults who are quitting smoking. Vaping is not recommended for under 18 year olds and non smokers.

‘If you don’t smoke, don’t vape‘ this is the advice of the Chief Medical Doctor in the UK.

What do vapes contain

Nicotine vapes are electronic devices where nicotine is inhaled as a vapour. Vapes also contain propylene glycol and glycerol. Vapes are also available without nicotine (or other drugs).

Addiction and nicotine

Nicotine is highly addictive which means once someone starts vaping (or smoking) they find it difficult to stop.

When nicotine enters the body it triggers receptors in the brain which link vaping with feeling good. As more nicotine enters the body more receptors are triggered by the nicotine so over time more and more nicotine is needed to feel good.

When someone chooses not to have a vape the nicotine receptors remain empty. This leads to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Effects of vaping on young people’s health

Some of the effects of vaping are:

young people’s brains are more sensitive to nicotine and its addictive effects
teenagers who vape experience poor concentration, anxiety, mood disturbances and poor quality sleep
vaping can worsen asthma and increase the chance of it developing
for those without asthma there is an increased chance of breathing issues (breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, phlegm, cough)
some people feel dizzy, nauseous or have a headache or stomach cramps
blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rates all increase
other side effects are; coughing, dry mouth and throat, mouth and throat irritation

Vaping exposes people to some toxins, the long term health effects of these are not currently known.

Never move from vaping to smoking. Smoking causes much more harm than vaping.

Thinking about quitting

Tips on quitting:

write down why you want to quit, keep checking back on your list
be prepared for withdrawal symptoms, think about how you will manage these. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- headaches
- nausea (feeling sick)
- sweating
- anxiety and restlessness
- anger and short temper
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
chose a date to quit that doesn’t coincide with stressful times, for example during exams or at Christmas
ensure you have a non vaping friend or family member supporting you to quit
many young people prefer to cut down gradually, allowing the body to adjust to lower nicotine levels, you could:
- increase the times between vaping
- reduce the number of puffs taken
- reduce the depth of the inhalation
- lower the strength of nicotine in the vape, remember some vapes that claim to be nicotine free are not
alter habits associated with vaping:
- avoid peer pressure from those who vape
- try not to hang out with those who vape
- decide on some distraction strategies such as sipping water when feeling the urge to vape, deep beathing for at least 10 to 20 seconds, chewing gum
- have something for your hands to do instead of holding a vape, doodling or a stress ball for example
- exercise, chose something you enjoy, this can boost mood and reduce cravings
- change your day-to-day habits that you associate with vaping such as your walk home from school with a non vaper
- ask friends to randomly text supportive messages to you
if you find yourself vaping again, know that it can often take more than one attempt, so when the time is right start again using the learning from last time
never start smoking instead of vaping