Can’t
seem to get rid of your vaping habit? The best way to begin the process is to
analyze how it first started. There are many reasons why people begin using
e-cigarettes: to stop smoking, to fit in with their peers at school or just to
try it.
Teens
are more likely to start to vape over any other substance abuse, mainly because
it is easily accessible, flavorful and discreet. This has led to the current
trend in youth vaping, which has quickly morphed into a dangerous epidemic with
a variety of serious medical complications.
One of
the most significant steps toward breaking a bad habit is motivation. In many
cases, people start vaping to quit smoking cigarettes, as it is perceived as a
“safer” alternative.
However,
in the past year, multiple reports of acute lung injury from vaping have
surfaced, with some leading to hospitalization, lung failure and even death.
The rapid onset of these conditions is striking in comparison to the insidious
effects of smoking cigarettes.
To sum
it up, vaping is hardly a safe option.
Convinced
it’s time to quit? Here’s how to get started and stay motivated.
Stay positive
Keeping
a positive mindset and immersing yourself in a healthy environment will aid in
your efforts to stop vaping.
Remove temptations
Get rid
of all vaping devices and avoid situations in which you might be exposed or even
drive by a vape shop.
Think about the money
Consider
the cost involved; calculate the amount of money you can save and factor this
into your budget to see how far it goes!
Find a new hobby
Vaping
is also “something to do” when idle, but it doesn’t need to be. Pick up a new
hobby or a healthy habit. Chew gum, listen to music, read a book or try a new
sport. Engage in these activities when you feel the urge to vape.
Chew
gum, listen to music, read a book or try a new sport. Engage in these
activities when you feel the urge to vape.
Avoid alternatives
Though
it might be tempting, steer clear from alternatives such as nicotine patches.
The healthiest option is to stop nicotine use altogether.
Prepare for withdrawals
It is
not going to be easy; expect withdrawal and cravings. This is the hardest part
of breaking an addiction but being vape- and nicotine-free will get easier each
day — and it will be well worth it in the long run.
Since
certain vape flavors mimic the taste of certain foods, it might even be helpful
to ingest the actual food to ease cravings. For example, try fresh fruit
instead of a fruit-flavored e-cigarette from the vape store.
Take care of your body
Withdrawal
affects everyone differently but getting an adequate amount of sleep and
drinking a lot of water will help as well. If withdrawal symptoms are
especially difficult to manage, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you
manage symptoms and coordinate an overall cessation plan.
Trying
to quit vaping or dealing with lung problems? Find a doctor who can help.
This
article was written in collaboration with Dajia Campbell, a senior at Frisco
High School who is studying medicine in the Independent Study & Mentorship
program.
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