Need some advice

[coolfish277]

Hi I'm trying to quit vaping before my birthday. I keep seeing that nicotine patches or gum could help but they are super pricey and I am 17 I cannot buy them. I have quit cold turkey 2 times before but it just leads right back into the habit. That's why I want to try and take a different approach, but how else could I do it without all the expensive price tags and age restrictions.

[KCaufield77]

Umm, your primary care doctor should give them to you free of charge. My doc gave me patches, Chantix and nic gum. The only thing I had to pay for was my Chantix copay.... $5 bucks. Call your doctor first thing in the morning!! Will your parents help you?? 

[xelabee]

Hi 👋 I started smoking when I was 15...I am now 31 wishing I would have never started or quit way sooner.

I have gone 17 days without a vape, and I do use patches. They have helped with cravings. I agree with @KCaufield77 , call your doctor because they are free. 

I'm not sure who is supplying you with vapes, but I would cut off that connection. Being that you aren't of age yet to purchase and have a harder time accessing it might help you stay quit if you can't get to it. 

Do your parents know you vape? I imagine they would want you to quit as well and would get you the tools you need. 

[Barbscloud]

@coolfish277 Welcome to the ex and congrats on your decision to quit. Considering your age, it would be best to have your parents involved to see your doctor about nicotine replacement.  I don't know that they're automatically free--I believe that would depend on your medical insurance.  They are free from your state quit line, but i appears you do need to be 18.  My state does have a program for young people to quit vaping so you might want to check out your particular states health department online.  (I just entered PA quitline).

 No matter the source, nicotine is an addictive chemical so yes it can be hard to quit. The fact that you vape almost anywhere doesn't make it any easier.

The same principles to quit smoking will apply to your quit. Take the time to educate yourself about nicotine and have a quit plan. Knowledge and preparation have been made quitting possible for many of us. I never did either in the past and I was never successful. I was planning my quit this time and found the Ex a week before my quit date. I finally learned how to quit and how important support from other quitters can be. Read lots of material on the site. You found a great group of quitters to support you on your journey. Having a quit plan by identifying tools to use, how to cope with cravings and creating new associations to replace smoking/vaping. This link will get you off on the right track to be successful.

https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

We have our favorite quit tools. I used Sour Patch Kids, chewing on straws, playing video games and walking. If you're able, walking is a great way to refocus your thoughts and get an added boost of dopamine needed when eliminating nicotine. And deep breathing exercises will help you get through some tough times.

The habit (or psychological aspect) has more to do with when and where you smoke. After a meal, in your car, when you're happy, when you're sad, etc. That's where creating new associations comes into play. What can you do instead of smoking when you're stressed, having your coffee, going to events, etc.? Be creative! Instead of smoking, go for a walk, take shower, chew on straws, hard candy, call a friend, and come to the Ex and read/post.

Reinforce your quit by joining many of us quitters on the Daily Pledge, It's a great way to stay accountable to yourself and to stay on track one day at a time.

Attitude and preparation are keys to success. Approaching your quit one day at a time helps to alleviate much of the anxiety we experience when we think about quitting. We're here to support you so reach out anytime you need help, want to share your experience, and to support other quitters.

The Ex also has a Quit Vaping Group.   Quit Vaping - EX Community

Stay busy and stay close.

Barb

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

Congratulations on your decision to quit vaping!  It is especially important that you quit. "Vaping poses significant risks to the developing adolescent brain due to nicotine's impact on brain development cognitive issues. The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to nicotine's effects, which can disrupt the formation of brain circuits crucial for attention, learning, and memory (from a Google search) ".

I am guessing your parents don't know you vape, but telling them you want to quit and asking for their help might calm their reaction!  I would also recommend you talk to your doctor before using any Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

You will need to substitute “vape” or “device” as you do the reading I will recommend.  Research suggests nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. This isn't easy in the beginning, but it IS doable, and it gets easier as you get some time in.

I recommend that you educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind.  To that end, I suggest Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”  He provides a good perspective on the whole quit experience.

The idea is to change up your routines so the vaping associations are reduced. Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from where you vaped. Maybe switch to tea for a bit. If you always had that first puff with your coffee, try putting your walking shoes on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your beverage.  Take a different route when you are out and about to change up the scenery and so you aren't driving by your vaping supply shop. Take the Daily Pledge each day, Just look for it on the home page.

You need to distract yourself through any craves. You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game. Keep a cold bottle of water with you from which to sip. Don't let that vaping thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Get busy! STAY busy!  Here is a list of things to do instead of vape if you need some fresh ideas:

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke - EX Community

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want to vape" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?" Then DO it. You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[McMoney]

I think talking to your parents is a good idea, if that is an option. When is your birthday @coolfish277 ? And you'll be 18 then, is that right?