My teen is addicted to vaping. How can I help them quit and manage their withdrawal symptoms?
Rates of teen vaping have been rising rapidly in Australia, from 0.8% of 14- to 17-year-olds describing themselves as a current vaper over the past six months in 2018 to 14.5% in 2023.
- Rates of teen vaping have been rising rapidly in Australia, from 0.8% of 14- to 17-year-olds describing themselves as a current vaper over the past six months in 2018 to 14.5% in 2023.
- Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 19.8% have been a current vaper over the past six months.
- But at some stage, they will have a drastic reduction in their use of vaping.
- Some vapes tested in Australia contained 900 milligrams of nicotine – the equivalent of the nicotine in almost 100 cigarettes.
What is nicotine dependence and withdrawal?
- Nicotine dependence means a person is physically and psychologically addicted to nicotine.
- This produces a strong desire for, and difficulty controlling, nicotine use.
- Young people are at greater risk of nicotine dependence than adults and can develop dependence faster.
I don’t even know if my teen vapes …
- If your teen is unusually irritable or has an unexplained low mood, consider the possibility of nicotine withdrawal, particularly after vapes are no longer readily available.
- Vapes can be hidden in plain sight, as they look like a highlighter pen or USB stick.
- During the conversation listen out for hints that mean your teen could be a heavy user of vaping, such as:
Read more:
TikTok promotes vaping as a fun, safe and socially accepted pastime – and omits the harms
So how do I help my teen quit?
Once you know your teen is vaping, broach the subject of quitting with them in a non-judgemental way. Try questions like “have you ever tried having a break from them?” and “how did that feel?” If they are willing to attempt quitting, or are already withdrawing due to reduced access to vaping products, let them know you are there to support them and help is available.
First try counselling and cold turkey
The Quitline or a GP can help with goal setting, such as setting a quit date, making a quit plan and identifying triggers for vaping and strategies to address them. There are also online tools your teen may like, such as My Quit Buddy, an app that provides practical tips, progress charts and health information to help with quitting.
Nicotine replacement therapy
- If counselling alone is not successful, nicotine replacement therapy may help.
- Nicotine-replacement therapy is available in a fast-release form (used by mouth via a nicotine inhalator, spray, gum, or lozenges) or a slow-release patch.
- Combination therapy is better when the teen is highly dependant on nicotine and has strong and frequent urges to vape.
- When using nicotine replacement therapy, adherence is critical to successfully quitting.