Get the facts about vaping
Here are some of the most important things to know:
Vaping is addictive. So is using any tobacco or nicotine product.
- Vapes contain nicotine, an addictive chemical that is extremely hard to quit.
- Nicotine is the same drug used in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, including nicotine pouches.
- Vapes come in different strengths of nicotine; some vape pods have as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes (a pack of cigarettes). Nicotine pouches also come in different strengths of nicotine.
- Because your brain is still developing until your mid-20s, you’re more likely to become addicted to nicotine.
Vaping can harm your body.
- It’s not water vapor—aerosol from vaping has cancer-causing chemicals.
- Vaping has been linked to EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping associated lung injury).
- Vapes can also contain harmful (and possibly harmful) ingredients such as:
- Very fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
- Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease.
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.
- Volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust.
- E-cigarettes contain acrolein, a pesticide. Acrolein can cause acute lung injury and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and may cause asthma and lung cancer.
- Vaping can weaken your immune system, which makes it easier for you to get sick,
Vaping and using other nicotine products can harm your brain and your mental health.
- Nicotine can harm the parts of your brain that control attention and learning.
- Nicotine can change your mood and increase your risk for mood disorders.
- Life can be stressful. See tips for getting through hard times instead of using vaping or other nicotine products to cope.
Video: Facts. No Filters.
Skip this video Facts. No Filters..Get help to quit vaping
Check your vaping/nicotine use
Nicotine is highly addictive. Use this checklist to see if you show signs of being hooked. When you haven’t vaped or used other nicotine products for a while, do you:
- Have a strong craving to vape?
- Feel angry, irritable, or restless?
- Feel nervous or anxious because you can’t vape?
- Vape in places you’re not supposed to, like school?
- Have trouble concentrating when you haven’t vaped for a while?
- Feel like you need to vape to feel better?
If you said yes to one or more of these, you may be dependent on nicotine. If you use other tobacco or nicotine products, ask yourself the same questions about using those product(s).
Get support
Quitting vapes or other tobacco products can be hard. You don’t have to go it alone.
- My Life, My Quit™ has youth coach specialists trained to help young people by phone or text. Call 855-891-9989 or text “Start My Quit” to 36072 for free and confidential help. For more information or to sign up online, visit mylifemyquit.com.
- This is Quitting powered by truth® (now part of EX Program) is a free and confidential texting program for young people who vape. Text “VapeFreeMass” to 88709 to get started! Receive daily text messages about quitting or cutting down. You can sign up even if you’re not sure you to quit right now.
- Visit teen.smokefree.gov for tools and tips.
- Ask for help from your school nurse, counselor, athletic coach, doctor, parent, or other trusted adult.
- Many young people in Massachusetts report feeling concerned about their friends who vape, so try talking to a friend for support.
Helpful tips
- Make a list of your reasons to quit and keep them near you.
- Make a plan for quitting.
- Switch your routine to keep your mind off vaping and help deal with cravings.
- It’s normal for people to slip up when they’re trying to quit. Think about why you slipped, understand your vaping triggers, and create a plan for next time. You got this!
Talk to your friends about vaping
Video: Facts. No Filters.
Skip this video Facts. No Filters..A lot of young people express concern about their friends who vape or use other nicotine products. It’s tough to talk about it. If you have a friend or family member who you want to help, here are some things to think about.
Get Talking
- Put yourself in their shoes. Quitting can be really hard. If you’ve never smoked or vaped, read up on it. It’s important to show you understand that quitting is a big deal for them.
- Talking vs. texting: Do whichever feels more comfortable. We suggest talking to your friend on video chat or in-person. By seeing and hearing them it’ll be easier to tell how they feel. Try not to talk to them when they are vaping.
- Be specific. Point out the exact changes you’ve noticed in their behavior and let them know that’s why you’re concerned.
- Stay in your lane. Don’t assume you know how they feel or what they’re going through. You may not have any idea.
- Listen, don’t lecture. Let them share. You are there to listen. They need to feel they can be open and honest without being judged.
- Don’t add pressure. Let them know you care about them regardless of whether they decide to quit or not.
- Offer your support. Bring them healthy snacks; be a workout buddy; keep them busy in other ways to keep their mind off vaping. Suggest they talk with a trusted adult. And offer something up like This is Quitting or My Life, My Quit.
- Be patient. When people try to quit, they may not succeed on their first try. That's okay. People learn along the way and can use you as a cheerleader for the next time they try.
If you vape and want to quit, get talking too! Talking to a friend about wanting to quit and asking for their support is a great way to get started. More information on getting support.
Get involved
- Join your school’s SADD or 84 Chapter to spread the word. Don’t have an 84 Chapter? Learn more and start one!
- Check out The 84, a youth movement
- Learn more from The Truth Campaign
Videos
Video: Get the Facts. No Filters.
Skip this video Get the Facts. No Filters..For Parents/Guardians, Schools, and Providers
Learn more about youth vaping and how to protect our youth at mass.gov/GetOutraged.
This campaign is brought to you by the Department of Public Health (DPH) in collaboration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). OCABR’s participation stems from concern over the dangers of this consumer product to youth and young adults. The campaign’s current ads are funded by a settlement reached by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.