Are you sick and tired of feeling vape-dependent? Do you wish to break the habit and adopt a more healthy way of life? Although giving up vaping may seem like a daunting task, it is attainable with the correct attitude and resources. Also with recent news of vaping-related illnesses and deaths, many people are reconsidering their use of e-cigarettes.
But the question is how to quit vaping. Well, there are some practical ways that can help you quit vaping and take control of your life. Need help with that? Keep on reading.
Table of Contents
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the action of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or a similar device. The term is very commonly used as e-cigarettes are different because they do not produce tobacco smoke. In place of that, they produce an aerosolized vapor that is thought to be less harmful than smoking a tobacco cigarette.
Why Do People Vape?
With changing trends and people inclining towards quitting smoking, vaping has become a popular way to consume nicotine. There are a number of reasons why people vape including the fact that it is very less harmful than smoking.
Before knowing how to quit vaping, there are many other reasons why people vape, including the fact that it is less harmful than smoking. Experts at Ashfaq Memorial Hospital say that vape-addicted patients usually claim that it helps them cut down on their nicotine intake.
The Health Risks of Vaping
One of the popular ways to consume nicotine these days is vaping, especially among young people and shockingly teenagers. However, there is no denying that vaping comes with its own set of health risks that are often overlooked focusing on its benefits. Here are some of the health risks associated with vaping:
Nicotine Addiction – One of the most easily addictive substances in today’s world is Nicotine. It is habit-forming and can lead to serious nicotine addiction.
Cardiovascular Disease – Vaping contains ingredients that can be harmful to heart health and can increase the chances of cardiovascular disease at an early age that can be concerning. So, after hearing this, you must ask yourself when to quit vaping instead of how to quit vaping.
Lung Disease – When you breathe through a vaping device, the chemicals in the e-liquid can injure your lungs and increase your risk of developing respiratory problems. Overall, prolonged use might harm the lungs and affect breathing.
Birth Defects – Women addicted to vaping, when smoking during pregnancy can impact the health of the baby in the womb. This can also result in serious birth defects.
Cancer – Vapes do have substances in them that are carcinogenic which points towards them being cancer-causing.
Suggested Read: Vaping Side Effects
Tips on How to Quit Vaping
Vaping occasionally is something else but once you get to the addiction point of nicotine, it gets very difficult to quit. But here are some of the simple tips that can help you quit vaping. Have a look.
Set a Quit Date
When attempting to stop vaping, it is very important to select a quit date. This will keep you motivated and on track in your efforts to give up your addiction. Here are some pointers for choosing a quit date that works:
Choose a Realistic Date – You’re more probable to fail in your mission to quit if you try to specify a random date.
Write the date down – One of the best practices is to write down the date in a place where you can see it every day e.g. your bathroom mirror, or your cupboard. This will keep reminding you of your goal after the question of how to quit vaping.
Inform your friends and family – Telling them the quitting date can help you ease out more and ask for support from them.
Make a proper plan – Have a proper plan for yourself regarding what you will be doing on your quit date. This will keep you stuck to your goal and the reward that you have chosen for yourself.
Identify the Triggers
A trigger can be something that can push you towards vaping and this can be different every single time. For some people, it can be boredom, for some it can be stress or anxiety, and a lot of times it is just out of habit.
Now it is up to you to know what makes you think of vaping and doing it. And what makes you think about how to quit vaping? Once it is identified, it is best to start avoiding the reasons that push you towards vaping.
A lot of times, the major trigger can be social situations. This usually happens when you are addicted to smoking or have been a smoker in the past. If someone offers you, learn to politely decline them and remember your goal and the finish line.
If your anxiety and stress make you crave vaping, it is best to distract yourself with exercise or you can just go out for a walk to feel fresh.
Suggested Read: Breathing Exercises to Relieve Stress
Find Supportive People
Finding encouraging people is crucial if you want to stop vaping. Inform your loved ones and close friends of your desire to stop smoking vape and your approach toward how to quit vaping. Let them know how they may support you.
There are also support groups online for people seeking to stop vaping. You can get help, resources, and information from these groups.
Exercise and Healthy Eating
Dr. Mir Muhammad Soomro who is one of the best pulmonologists in Pakistan says that it goes without saying that leading a healthy lifestyle requires consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. And these routines can be particularly beneficial while trying to stop smoking vape.
This is due to the fact that proper diet and exercise both have the potential to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It keeps you distracted enough to feel strong and stay away from unhealthy habits at the same time.
Pick a pastime that you enjoy, if you really wanna know how to quit vaping. Choose an exercise that you’ll truly look forward to performing, whether it be walking, bicycling, swimming, or something else entirely.
Don’t try to do too much too soon – start with small goals that you can realistically achieve. For example, if you’re just starting out, aim for 30 minutes of exercise 3 times per week.
Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a choice you might wish to make if you’re trying to stop vaping. NRT can aid in lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it simpler to stop using.
NRT medicines come in a number of forms, including patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers. Consult your doctor about the product that might be best for you.
When to See a Pulmonologist
It can be challenging to kick the habit of vaping, but it is doable with commitment and support from loved ones. Recognizing that vaping is an addiction, managing cravings, finding substitute activities for when the need arises, avoiding triggers, obtaining professional treatment if necessary, and leaning on social support are all key components to quitting. If you feel like you are still unable to find the answer to how to quit vaping or are developed lung issues, then it is best to visit the best pulmonologist near you.
