Vaping (Quit Your Way)

Are you vaping? Do you know what’s in your vape?

There’s no set ‘recipe’ for vapes. There’s more in them that you think – from nicotine to toxic chemicals released from the device itself.

Most vapes contain Nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive, can cause heart problems and impact mood.

Illicit substances can also be added to some vape liquids and aren’t always advertised. Make sure if you’re buying vape liquids that you buy from a reputable retailer.

What’s your usage?

How often are you vaping? Every hour, half hour? How long do you vape for each time? A couple of puffs, a few minutes, longer?

How much nicotine are you vaping? In the UK, vapes are only allowed to contain small amounts of nicotine and liquid. A disposable vape can hold up to 2ml of liquid, which gives roughly 500–700 puffs. That’s about the same number of puffs you’d take from around 40 cigarettes, but the nicotine level is still lower than a pack of cigarettes. Some vapes sold locally contain illegal levels of nicotine.

How much nicotine your body absorbs can vary a lot. Different types of nicotine (like nicotine salts) can make it hit faster and feel stronger, even if the amount in the vape is legally limited.

Where and when do you vape? Think about the people and activities you link with vaping. For example, is it the first thing you do in the morning? Do you vape when you feel bored or stressed? (It can be helpful to write these down).

Are you addicted to vaping? Most vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. People can quickly become addicted to nicotine, and this can affect their heart, blood pressure, mood and mental health. Nicotine withdrawal can disrupt sleep, cause headaches and impact concentration.

When a person uses nicotine regularly and then stops vaping, their brain and body need to get used to not having it. They may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms; for example, headaches, anxiety, restlessness and the urge to vape.

Hints & tips to stop vaping? Think about what you could do distract yourself if you experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms. For example, listen to music, chat with friends or chew gum.

If you like a particular flavour, try only using flavours you don’t like as much to make the experience less enjoyable.

Need more help to quit vaping?

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Quit Your Way (QYW) service can help support you to quit vaping. You can contact the service in the following ways:

Freephone helpline: 0800 783 9132
Email: QYWAyrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist to refer you.

How to look after your mental health

If you have been vaping to manage stress or anxiety, it is important to look at other ways to manage your mental health. (insert link here to the Main Mental Health Button).

There are many resources available to help with this; you could ask someone you trust at school, college or in your community for guidance.

Vapes aren’t harmless. They can affect your heart, lungs, mental health, and brain development. Most young people who vape never smoked first. Vaping makes you 3x more likely to start smoking.

Vapes usually contain nicotine, which is addictive and affects mood, learning and can make you feel anxious. Vapes are linked with asthma, coughs, lung injuries, pneumonia, bronchitis.

Vapes are designed to appeal to young people with flavours, colours and marketing

Are you a parent worried about your child vaping?

If you’re worried your child might be vaping, you’re not alone. Many young people try vapes without fully understanding the health risks, especially the addictive nature of nicotine. A good first step is having an open, non-judgemental conversation – letting them know you’re there to support them, not to punish them. Staying curious, asking how they’re feeling, and keeping communication open can make it easier for them to talk honestly and get the help they need. If you are worried your child is addicted to vaping, the QYW team can offer your child support if they want to stop.

You can contact the service in the following ways: