Stop vaping advice
Is there an easy way to stop vaping?
While saying goodbye to vaping may not be a walk in the park, there are things you can do to help drop the habit.
Nicotine vapes can be addictive, and life without them can be difficult at first. Some people find it takes longer to stop if they’ve been heavy nicotine vape users or have vaped for a long time.
Generally, combining willpower with specialist support from healthcare professionals, such as Boots pharmacists, is a great way to get started.
If you need additional support, using stop-vaping aids could be another option. This product starts to relieve vaping cravings in 30 seconds, but ultimately, it’s all about finding the method that works best for you.
Vaping & sleeping patterns
Sleep disturbance is a recognised symptom of nicotine withdrawal. While this may be inconvenient in the short term, the good news is this withdrawal symptom is only temporary.
So, if you’re considering quitting and are worried about the effects on your sleep patterns, don’t be put off. Not everyone will experience sleep issues as a withdrawal symptom and, if you do, it will typically only last a few weeks.
There are also plenty of simple steps you can take to try and change your sleeping habits to help you drift off, such as:
- Create a regular sleeping routine
- Reduce your caffeine intake
- Don’t eat or drink too much before bed
- Try to exercise daily
Vaping & stress
You may have already noticed you experience withdrawal effects when you haven't vaped nicotine for a while during the day. Some symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are similar to those you may feel when you are stressed.
This can make people think that vaping helps with feelings of stress. However, rather than relieving feelings of stress, vaping is only relieving your nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
If you do experience withdrawal effects, these will decrease with time, so just take it one day at a time and keep going!
Tried to quit vaping but had a relapse?
If you do use your nicotine vape after quitting, try to see it as an opportunity to learn more about your triggers, so you can improve your chances next time.
Relapses may be more likely to happen in the first few weeks after you quit. If you do have a slip-up, it’s worth taking the time to think about why you had a vape. It’s often due to cravings, so consider what triggered the urge.
“Triggers” are actions or events that make you crave your nicotine vape. They’re the moments that you associate most closely with vaping and most vapers have them.
Learning to recognise your triggers is an important step on the road to becoming nicotine-free. Once you start to notice and understand your triggers, you can start to come up with strategies to beat them.
There are different types of potential triggers, and these could be:
- Drinking alcohol or coffee
- Finishing a meal
- Watching TV
- Driving
- Talking on the phone
Some triggers are easier to plan for than others. When faced with a situation that would normally cause you to vape, you can try some relaxation techniques.
One such strategy is mindfulness or breathing exercises. Another is talking through your emotions with a friend or family member. Other distractions, such as going for a walk or a run, can also help you deal with these triggers.
Stop Smoking Support
Ready to quit vaping?
Nicorette QuickMist is designed to relieve cravings from vaping in as little as 30 seconds. This fast-acting formula is here to support you in your journey towards a vape-free life, giving you the rapid relief you need, with Nicorette QuickMist, you have the power to take control, one spray at a time.
Nicorette QuickMist 1mg/spray mouthspray. Contains nicotine. Smoking and vaping cessation aid. Requires willpower. Always read the label.
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Frequently asked questions
Nicotine, an addictive substance present in vapes, can make quitting difficult. When you quit vaping, you may experience a range of physical and emotional changes as your body begins to adjust. This might include withdrawal symptoms like irritability, low mood, and strong cravings to vape. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for and manage these symptoms to quit vaping for good.
Start by creating a personalised quit plan that suits your needs. Here are some strategies you may find effective:
- Prepare to quit: Think about why you want to quit. Write down your reasons to keep your goal in mind. Prepare yourself mentally and physically, then choose a specific date to stop vaping.
- Make a plan: Things to consider when making a plan could include:
- Triggers that may make you want to reach for a vape
- How you will manage any cravings that you may have
- How you will quit. Some people can quit vaping straight away, while others may find quitting easier if they cut down gradually by reducing the nicotine strength of the vape or by increasing the time between vaping sessions
- Creating vape-free spaces in your day-to-day life
- Get support: Have a supportive network of people you can turn to when you need extra motivation to stay on track. If you experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms, consider using a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) that's licensed to help quit vaping and manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Currently, the only product available that is licensed for helping to quit vaping is Nicorette QuickMist mouthspray.§
- Stay positive: Celebrate small victories and stay motivated by focusing on the benefits of quitting vaping. Keep going & don’t give up!
This can vary from person to person. When you quit nicotine vaping, you may experience withdrawal symptoms because your body is used to getting nicotine. It's important to stay committed and put strategies into place to help you stay on track, such as getting support from a friend, staying busy and celebrating wins.
Suddenly stopping vaping, also known as going "cold turkey" can be challenging for some, but some people find success with this method. Others may find it easier to gradually reduce vaping or to use licensed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products which can help manage cravings and make the transition smoother. Everyone’s experience is different, but stay positive and take quitting step by step to help you reach your goal.
1Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria may apply. Charges may apply.
2Access to treatment is subject to an online questionnaire reviewed by a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
