Vaping is not harmless. Vapour Products (e-cigarettes) typically contain nicotine which is highly addictive and can expose you to harmful chemicals that may cause health harms including lung damage.
These devices contains “e-juice” that once heated turns the liquid into an aerosol that can be inhaled into the lungs. The heating process can cause reactions and create new chemicals, such as formaldehyde. Some contaminants, such as metals, might also get into the vaping products and then into the aerosol. The aerosol is definitely not just harmless water vapor. Best to keep these out of your lungs!
Most vapes contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive. Signs of nicotine addiction may include feeling like you really need to vape; feeling anxious or irritable if you want to vape but can’t and continuing to vape because you find it hard to stop.
Some signs of nicotine addiction may include:
• Cravings, or feeling like you really need to vape
• Going out of your way to get a vape
• Feeling anxious or irritable if you want to vape but can’t
• Continuing to vape because you find it hard to stop
Nicotine is the chemical found in most vapour products that is responsible for addiction. When you use these products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your body and goes directly to your brain. It can affect brain development which continues until you are about 25 years old. It can affect your learning, memory, attention and concentration and your behaviour.
Vaping increases your exposure to chemicals that could harm your lungs. Young people who vape may experience increased coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath and may cause ear, eye and throat irritation. Vaping can hold you back from being your best out there. Breathe better, vape-free!
The good news is that majority young people are vape free. If someone offers you a vape, try one of these examples to help you get out of the situation.
“No thanks.” I don’t vape.”
“No thanks, I’m not interested.”
“I’d rather not share a vape.”
“Sorry, I’m late for class. I’ve got to go.”
“I play (sport/activity) or sing/play an instrument). I need all the air I can get.”
“I don’t’ vape, it’s not worth being grounded.”
There is help available if you want to quit or cut back vaping.
If you want to talk to someone, counsellors at the
NL Smokers’ Helpline can answer questions about smoking, vaping and quitting. It’s free and confidential. www.smokershelp.net or call 1-800-363-5864
Quash is a judgement-free app to help you quit smoking or vaping —the way you want! The Quash app (available on iOS and Android), helps you progress through each stage of the quit process. Quit your way with support! Quash will help you set goals, track your cravings and quit progress, learn about support options, and create healthy habits. Quash smoking or vaping!
Stop vaping Challenge – available on iOS and Android, the Stop Vaping Challenge is an app that provides a way for you to track your vaping behaviours and patterns in a fun, social way that encourages quitting with friends. The challenge is to stop vaping for as long as you can with the help of a timer within the app tracking seconds, minutes, and hours. This can be a highly revealing experience. Key features of the app include inviting friends, tracking mood and cravings, recording photo and video memories, and finding appropriate local resources on quitting vaping.