Escape the vape

« All Advice

Finishing a vape in four days or less is the equivalent of five cigarettes a day.

Vape liquids can contain:

In the UK, it is illegal for nicotine-containing vape liquids to exceed 20 mg/ml.

Recognise exploitation:

Young people may be targeted by criminals through the supply of free or discounted vapes.
Some individuals use vapes as a way of building trust, creating dependency, or encouraging young people to take part in illegal activities.
Young people may be pressured into selling vapes to friends or others to fund their own vaping habit or repay debts.
The illegal vape trade can be linked to wider criminal activity, including organised crime and exploitation.

How to stay safe:

Never buy vapes from unregulated sellers, social media, or people you do not know.
Be cautious if someone offers free vapes or asks you to sell products on their behalf.
Speak to a trusted adult if you are worried about yourself or a friend.

Giving up nicotine:

Nicotine is highly addictive. The more nicotine a person uses, the stronger their cravings can become.
Over time, the brain gets used to nicotine and needs more of it to achieve the same effect.
Nicotine causes the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to feelings of pleasure and reward.
When nicotine levels drop, dopamine levels also fall, which can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, irritability, and low mood.
Many people think vaping helps them cope with these feelings, but often the nicotine addiction is causing them in the first place.
This creates a cycle where a person vapes to relieve withdrawal symptoms, but the symptoms return when the nicotine wears off.
Giving up can be even harder if friends vape, as peer pressure and being around others who vape can trigger cravings.

Getting help:

Your Community Public Health Nursing Team can give you advice on vaping and how to stop. They also know other people they can signpost you to.

« All Advice