What are vapes (e-cigarettes)?
- E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery powered devices that heat a liquid, also known as e-liquid, e-juice or vape juice, until it turns into an aerosol, which the user then inhales.
- They come in many shapes and sizes and can look like everyday items including highlighter pens, USBs and makeup.
- Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
- For more information about vapes: visit here and here
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is a toxic, highly addictive chemical. Once inhaled, it’s rapidly absorbed into the blood, reaching the brain within 10 seconds.
Nicotine activates brain receptors which release dopamine, a feel-good chemical. This makes a person who vapes/smokes feel good, positively reinforcing nicotine use which then leads to addiction.
Most vapes contain nicotine.
Nicotine is harmful for the young brain which is still developing until the age of 25.
Nicotine use affects brain development, especially the part responsible for attention, memory and learning.
Signs of nicotine addiction in young people:
- Cravings – having strong urges to vape/smoke
- Difficulty concentrating when unable to vape/smoke
- Feeling stressed, anxious or irritable because unable to vape/smoke
- Have tried to quit, but found it difficult
How can you support a young person who is vaping and wants to quit?
Have a quick chat with Quitline, a free resource open to all Tasmanians. They are skilled counsellors who can answer all your questions about quitting or vaping and how to support young people specifically.
Call 13 7848 and speak with one of our friendly counsellors.
New “Don’t Let It In” youth-focused Tasmanian campaign
Developed in consultation with Tasmanian young people it includes information on how to stop vaping and tools and supports to help through the quitting journey.
Young people can also text QUITVAPE to 0447 987 230 to chat with one of our youth-friendly counsellors.
View the campaign overview and visit the site.
Health Professionals, people working with young people
Links to information and resources for supporting young people to quit:
- The ‘Vaping, Youth and Health’ e-learning package is available for use in all Tasmanian schools
- Tasmanian Department of Health ‘Guide to Supporting Young People to Quit E-cigarettes’
- RACGP ‘Supporting smoking & vaping cessation: A guide for health professionals’
RESOURCES
Fact sheets:
- Vaping and your health (PDF)
- Vaping myths (PDF)
- For parents and teachers (PDF)
For teachers and schools:
E-cigarette and vaping resources for teachers and schools
Poster:
E-cigarettes and nicotine: the facts
Refer to Quitline here
My QuitBuddy
My QuitBuddy is an app that helps a person get, and stay, smoke-free and vape-free. It provides helpful tips to overcome cravings and tracking systems to chart their progress. My QuitBuddy gives them the facts they need to understand the impacts smoking and vaping have on their health. Download here.
Training
Quit Tasmania offers free 3 hour ‘Supporting People to Stop Smoking & Vaping’ training to service providers state-wide. For more information, see here.
Parents, carers, friends
What can parents / carers / friends do? How can you support a young person to quit?
- Call Quitline 13 7848 and discuss your concerns with one of the friendly counsellors – they can provide information, resources and support to parents, carers and friends
- Learn about the health harms of vaping
- Choose a relaxed time and setting and take the time to talk to the person who is vaping and help them understand the risks and health harms
- Have a two-way conversation – listen to their point of view. Don’t be judgemental or make assumptions
- If the person is vaping, encourage them to stop. Focus on how you care about them and want them to be healthy
- Let them know that help and support are available
- Set a positive example by being tobacco and vape free
Resources:
- Fact sheets Vaping and your health / Vaping myths / For parents and teachers
- E-cigarette and vaping resources for parents and carers
- E-cigarette and vaping resources for young people
- Download My QuitBuddy
- Request a call from Quitline
