How to support someone after they break up with their vape

If someone you care about is quitting vaping, it can be difficult to know what to say and do. As the desire to quit mounts among young people, supporting someone’s quit is critical.

A majority of current young e-cigarette users surveyed say they intend to quit, with one-third reporting a past-year quit attempt and 15% aiming to quit in the next month. At the height of “turkey drop” season – a time when college students head home for the holidays to break up with their high school sweethearts – truth^® is helping young people end their outgrown relationship with their vape by asking them to send break-up texts using the free, anonymous, text messaging program, This is Quitting.

Here’s how some ended their relationship with their vape and how you can be there for someone who is looking to do the same.

Be supportive

Keep an open dialogue with someone who may be using e-cigarettes and talk about health risks. Many misinterpret the effects of tobacco products, including the common misconception that nicotine is a stress reliever.

Truth Initiative surveys show a large majority of young people who have used e-cigarettes started vaping nicotine to lessen feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, and many continue vaping nicotine to cope with these feelings.

"…Our relationship hasn't been great. You caused me to stress over you and feel like I need you, when I don't. I am 14 and I don't need a relationship like this. You caused me to constantly want you when there are much more important things. I need to focus on my family, my friends, my school work, and honestly just my life. Do I really need you in my life forever? Do I want you? I am so glad I have the courage to quit you. I am so glad I am being freed from you. I am glad that I will never have to deal with you again”, said Irish, 14.

Instead of punishing or shaming, be positive and arm them with information and reasons to quit vaping.

Share tools and resources

Quitting vaping is one of the best things someone can do for their health and there are tools to help.

“Dear Vape, You feel nice sometimes, but overall, I feel like you are slowly killing me. We had good times, but it's time for us to split. You have done nothing but hurt me now,” said Brandon, 24.

This Is Quitting, the first-of-its-kind texting program from truth to help young people quit vaping, has become a resource for nearly 400,000 young people. A randomized clinical trial found that young adults aged 18-24 who used This is Quitting had nearly 40% higher odds of quitting compared to a control group.

For free access and to receive immediate help, teens and young adults can text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709. Parents of young people who vape can receive support at BecomeAnEx.org.