- Source: Vaping cessation
Vaping cessation, usually called "quitting vaping", is the process of stopping using electronic cigarettes, usually those containing nicotine. Professional assistance for quitting is similar to that given for stopping smoking, though stopping vaping may have unique challenges; as noted by Harvard Medical School, "'vapes' can deliver a much higher dose much faster than traditional cigarettes." This can make vapes harder to quit than cigarettes.
While the strength of addiction may be stronger, the nature of withdrawal symptoms appears similar to that seen with smoking. These symptoms can include depression, irritability, anxiety, and strong, focus-consuming cravings. However, smoking cessation training sometimes emphasizes avoiding environments that can trigger the urge to smoke. Because smoking is successfully prohibited in many public areas, the relatively few areas where it is allowed can remind a former smoker of the tempting behavior. However, vapers report vaping in many of these same places where smoking is prohibited, so such physically identified trigger warnings and avoidance, can be ineffective for people who use these smoke free devices.
To address the fact that nicotine cravings can happen anywhere, designers of "serious games" have created cessation apps for phones, available for download online.
In 2024, the CDC started promoting online cessation programs specifically designed for people addicted to vaping nicotine.
See also
Smoking cessation