Many believe vaping is safer than regular cigarettes and that vaping is not really that addicting. However, vaping is very addictive due to the high nicotine content, making it hard to stop once you start. In fact, one vape pod is equal to 30 cigarettes.

Is Your Teen Addicted? 

If your child can answer yes to one or more of these questions, there is a good chance they are at risk of having a vaping addiction. Talk to them about the dangers of vaping. 

• Do you continue to vape even though you want to stop or think it is hurting you in some way?
• Do you feel anxious or irritable when you want to use your vape but cannot?
• Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when you are focused on other activities?
• Do you still vape after getting in trouble with your parents or at school for vaping?
• Have you ever tried to stop vaping but could not?
• Do you feel like you have lost control over your vaping?
• Do you hide your vaping from others?

Tips to Help Your Teen Drop the Vape.  

Quitting is hard and often takes multiple attempts to quit. Help your child create a plan to put down the vape. Below are thought starters and tips you can share.

Know why you are quitting. 

Think about who you want to be in the future. Compare that with who you are now. Ask yourself: How are they different?

Get rid of all your vapes and accessories. 

This will help you fight cravings and stay motivated to be vape free.

Set your quit date. 

Pick one that sets you up to win. For example, pick a date that starts after a highly stressful time, such as final exams, big projects, or a job interview.

Build your team. Ask for help. 

The people who care about you want you to succeed and will help when times get tough. You do not have to do it alone.

Utilize My Life, My Quit.

Free Quit Coaching

My Life, My Quit is a youth vaping and tobacco cessation program for teens ages 13-17. Quit coaching is provided by specialized and youth-focused quit coaches. The program provides information on vaping and tobacco as well as interactive activities for a customized quit plan.

When teens are ready to quit vaping or tobacco, they can enroll in the program online at MyLifeMyQuit.com or by texting Start My Quit to 36072. Teens can also enroll in the program through the My Life, My Quit phone app via Apple App Store  and Google Play Store.

Prepare for the urge to vape.

Cravings and withdrawal can happen — be ready. Instead of picking up your vape, chew on a straw or flavored toothpicks, chew gum, or use mints. Keep those and a water bottle handy for when you want to vape.

Dealing with people who do not get it. 

Not everyone will know how to be supportive, and that is OK. But ask them not to vape around you or offer you their vape. Ask them to respect your decision to quit, and plan how you will handle it if someone offers you a vape.

Get moving. 

Find activities you enjoy doing and add them to your routine. Being active can help relieve stress and distract you from vaping.

Deal with stress in a different way. 

Instead of vaping to relieve stress, try meditation, yoga, writing, drawing, running, or walking.

Share your story. 

Post on social media about how you quit. Share your experience and have your friends motivate you to stay vape free.