How to Quit Vaping
People get confused about vaping thinking that it is a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. The truth is that recent studies have discovered that vaping can make you suffer negative consequences like raising your blood pressure which can increase your chances of a heart attack. By quitting vaping, you will understand that any form or amount of nicotine in your body is not worth the devastating health effects that can occur.
Think of Reasons to Quit
Evaluate what your life has been since you started vaping. Has it been ruining your finances? Is it affecting your relationships? Is vaping controlling the way you think or feel? Think of the answers to these questions and how important it is to see how vaping has changed your life. These answers should motivate you to want to quit as you may be feeling euphoric for a short time, but your career, friends, and family can last for the rest of your life. You should also think about how much better your life will be once you stop vaping. Make a list of all of the reasons to quit vaping so that you have something to look back on if you feel the urge coming on.
Create a Quit Date
It is best to choose a date to quit so that you know for sure that bad habits need to disappear on this day. Do not pick a date that is so far away or you could end up changing your mind or your urge to quit vaping will decrease. Pick a date that is a week or two away to show the urgency to quit. You should also not pick a date that is before a stressful event like if you have a test or an important meeting you have to speak at. Otherwise, you will feel the urge to smoke more on that day and end up disappointing yourself. You can circle the date that you decide on your calendar or set up a phone alert.
Know What Challenges Will Come
One of the challenges of stopping any addiction is dealing with triggers. Being around certain people or places can make you want to start vaping again. It is best to avoid these triggers when you are in the early stages to prevent a relapse. Think of what to say if your friends offer you to vape with them again or just cut yourself off from them completely if they are still smoking in front of you and do not care about your progress. Know what to do when you are dealing with a craving or dealing with the uncomfortable withdrawal moments.
Imagine What Life Would Be Like Without Vaping
If you have been vaping for a long time, it may be hard to picture what it will be like without an e-cigarette in your hand. It may take time to get used to this, but you will eventually see this as the new normal. You should make a list of all of the positive things about yourself that have nothing to do with vaping. This will motivate you that you do not need to vape to be who you are. Put the list somewhere you can always find it like your bedroom mirror or your fridge. Think of how vaping will interfere with the bright future that you have dreamed of to motivate you to stick with your decision to quit.
What to Do If Your Friends Pressure You to Vape
Some people may not understand why you want to quit vaping if they themselves cannot stop. Let your friends know that you need to make quitting vaping a priority which means you may have to distance yourself from them until you are in a better headspace. Even if your friends do not agree with you quitting, ask them not to vape in front of you or offer you an e-cigarette. This will be a good test of friendship as true friends will support you if you tell them you want to quit something that has negative consequences on your life. Be around friends who will support your decision, who have wanted you to quit, and will be there for you in any way they can to help.
Look For a Support Team
Do not be afraid to ask for help as your friends and family should be happy knowing that you want to quit a bad habit. Tell your loved ones what kind of support you are looking for and how often you need their help. For example, if you are dealing with a stressful moment, ask your friends to help distract you away from it and give you something else to do like a puzzle or write in a journal. Always let your friends and family know how much you appreciate their efforts. If you feel like their efforts are not working, communicate with them on a better strategy. Do not forget to check-in with your friends as well to see how they are doing as support is a two-way street.
You can also speak to a doctor on what to do to quit vaping as they can provide you with support and resources. You can also get free, personalized support by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW to talk to a tobacco cessation counselor. By understanding the benefits of quitting vaping, it will be an easier transition to a life without it.
Located on the shore of Southern New Jersey, Enlightened Solutions is a recovery center that uses evidence-based therapies and holistic healing to treat addiction and mental illness. With the opportunity to learn about therapies that are keyed in to healing the human spirit and learning about new stress-reducing techniques centered around a 12 step network, you will ensure a lasting recovery. For more information, please call us at 833-801-LIVE as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
