Vaping is on an all-time high with over 3.6 million of the youth population engaged in this habit in the past year.
Initially marketed as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking, vaping has become a monster in itself with so many people addicted to the habit.
What many people are not aware of is that vaping devices also contain nicotine and can pose harmful risks especially to young users. Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning against e-cigarette use due to the spike of respiratory illnesses that were linked back to vaping.
If you or someone you know is addicted to vaping and is thinking of quitting, be aware that just like quitting smoking, the process will not be that easy. To be successful in quitting, you need determination, willpower, and the sincere desire to get better.
Below are some concrete steps that could help you how to quit vaping.
1. Throw out all your vaping devices
The first step when wanting to quit vaping is to get rid of all your vaping devices and paraphernalia. There’s no such thing as saving them because you don’t want them to go to waste or because they’re expensive. You are not going to use them again so what’s the point in keeping them in your dresser drawer?
Not having your vaping devices available to you makes it easier to curb temptations. For example, if you’re thinking of vaping and you have a vape pen in your room, it is easy to just get it and start inhaling. On the other hand, if you don’t have any vaping devices near you, the process of going to the store and getting one gives you enough time for the craving to pass and to talk yourself out of giving in to the craving. Spending money on new vape devices and cartridges will also be another obstacle to vape again.
2. Find an alternative action when you think of vaping
Many people vape when they are sitting idle, waiting for someone, when they are bored or when they want to avoid an awkward situation. If you find yourself in similar scenarios, find an alternative of what you can do instead to fill the time.
Chat with a friend on social media, play a puzzle game on your phone, or read an e-book. Fill up your phone with different productivity and entertainment apps that will keep you occupied in idle moments.
3. Participate in sports and fitness activity
Physical activity is a great way to keep yourself fit and healthy. At the same time, it is a means to keep your mind away from vaping. Being active produces happy hormones in your body which will give you that “feel good” sensations without relying on nicotine.
Joining team sports like football, baseball, and basketball is always a good idea because you get to surround yourself with like-minded people. If team sports is not your thing, try going to the gym and signing up for fitness classes. You can also spice up your routine by trying out different adventure sports like rock climbing, surfing, indoor skydiving and other extreme sports that can help you quit your addiction.
4. Pursue a new hobby
Another helpful way to keep yourself from being bored is by pursuing a new hobby. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, play the guitar or perhaps you’re a Master Chef in the making. Sign up for classes to improve your craft and this may be the start of a new passion for you. There are also so many sober activities as well as free creative classes online and on YouTube that you don’t even have to spend any money to learn a new skill.
5. Track the money you’re saving
One upside of quitting vaping is all the money you’ll save. According to studies, the average JUUL vaper spends rom $50 to $180 US Dollars a month. With so many people vaping nowadays, no wonder JUUL turned into a billion-dollar company. Don’t contribute to their bottom line, instead, use that money to buy something you never thought you could afford.
Save the money you would normally spend on vaping in a fund. Keep track of how much you’re already saving to keep you motivated. After a year, you can use it to treat yourself to a new pair of fancy sneakers or even travel out of state.
6. Reward yourself for every milestone
Not giving in to the craving of vaping again is an accomplishment in itself. Recognize your efforts and remind yourself that you’re doing a good job. Set milestones like getting over the first 24 hours, the first 3 days, the first week, and so on. Celebrate your monthly anniversary of quitting vaping by treating yourself to a movie or a spa massage. You deserve it!
7. Find a supportive social circle
Many experts advise that the best way to quit vaping is by just socializing normally and not avoiding vapers. This will supposedly strengthen your resolve and keep you “immune” to these triggers. However, if you are just starting to quit vaping, being around these triggers can be challenging. How can you stop vaping if everyone around you is peer pressuring you to do it again? Changing your friends might sound like a drastic measure but if you find that the people you associate yourselves with do not respect your decision to quit and are not supportive of this, it will be much more beneficial for you to find people who would support you instead.
Vaping is becoming an epidemic in the US, especially in the young population. Quitting the habit early on can protect you from potential harmful effects.
If you or a loved is suffering from substance addiction, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
