Reports of illnesses and death attributed to vaping and juuling continue to rise giving everyone a reason to quit vaping altogether. As of October 15, the CDC’s ongoing report, which is updated every Thursday, stated that nearly 1,500 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported from 49 states (with the exception of Alaska), the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory. In addition, 33 deaths have been confirmed in 24 states including Florida. The report also states that all patients have a reported history of using e-cigarette products.
There are a variety of substances and product sources that are under investigation. It is unknown what specific chemical exposure is causing the lung injuries, although the report does note that products containing THC are linked to most of the reported cases. The CDC also states, “since the specific causes or causes of lung injury are not known yet, the only way to assure that you are not a risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.”
Since many e-cigarette products contain nicotine, an addictive substance, quitting vaping may present tough challenges for the user such as cravings.
Here are some tips to quit vaping:
- Use technology to your advantage. There are a variety of programs available that you can enroll in for free. These programs will provide you with tools to help with the process of quitting smoking or using tobacco products. Smokefree.gov offers a quitSTART app and also a program that allows you to register for SmokefreeTXT by texting QUIT to 47848.
- Know your why. It is known that habits are hard to break. One way to stay motivated is to know your “why.” This is the powerful reason that you have for quitting vaping that will stick with you and help you get back on track when you feel like giving into your old habits. In moments when you want to give in to your nicotine cravings, you can think of your “why” and make a healthier decision to help you reach your goal.
- Have an accountability partner. Choose a person who can help you stay on track by keeping you accountable. This may be a friend, a family member, a health professional, a support group, or even a text group chat. Smokefree.gov also offers free, personalized supportfrom a tobacco cessation expert by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-877-44U-QUIT and also an online chat service through the National Cancer Institute’s LiveHelp service.
- Be prepared for challenges. Know what situations will make you want to vape or use an e-cigarette so you know when your willpower will be tested. This is a perfect time to communicate with your accountability partner who can help you stay on track. Also, be prepared for cravings with a plan of how you will fight your vaping cravings. For example, doing something active to redirect your cravings or working with a healthcare provider to choose a nicotine replacement therapy product.
Your best bet is to work with a healthcare professional and/or cessation counselor who can help you through the process of how to quit vaping as there may be unexpected health challenges along the way.
“Nicotine vaping has been associated with triggering lung inflammation. So, for those with a condition like asthma, who are already predisposed to lung inflammation, nicotine vaping can exacerbate existing respiratory problems and make it even harder to breath,” said Cheryl Nickerson, a registered respiratory therapist and certified asthma educator, in a Parade article on how to quit vaping.
While there will most certainly be trials throughout the process, the health benefits of quitting the use of e-cigarettes, vaping, and even juuling are immeasurable. At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, we are dedicated to the health and safety of Florida’s families. If you or a loved one has been the victim of serious injury caused by a product manufacturer or reseller, contact us at 305-662-6178 for a complimentary consultation.
