The use of electronic cigarettes is increasing across the UK.
In 2021, a survey found that over 3 million adults across the UK currently vape [1], and this number has been on the rise year on year since.
One reason for the rise in popularity of vaping is the belief that it is better than smoking.
People can think it is a better option for the body and a less addictive way of accessing nicotine.
Despite this belief, however, there still exists the risk of addiction when it comes to vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.
The reason for the addictive qualities of vaping is the exact same as that of regular cigarettes: nicotine.
When an individual uses a vape product such as a vape pen, they expose themselves to nicotine, the drug that targets the brain and stimulates a pleasurable response.
More specifically, nicotine triggers the brain’s nicotinic cholinergic receptors.
These receptors release a number of neurotransmitters, chief of which being dopamine which prompts pleasure and enhanced stimulation. [2]
In isolation, this shot of happy feeling doesn’t trigger addiction.
Over time, it is the consistent use of a vape which gradually allows the brain to recognise the cause-and-effect relationship between vaping and the positive influx of dopamine.
This process escalates until the brain comes to depend upon the regular intake of nicotine in order to function regularly.
When an individual stops vaping or goes a while without vaping, a chemical imbalance appears, visibly manifesting in the form of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
To remedy this sudden imbalance, the brain resorts to vaping.
It deems vaping as necessary and an individual struggles to resist the overwhelming craving to vape again in order to feel better.
The cycle of nicotine dependency outlined above is the same as that which affects smokers of normal cigarettes.
It’s normal to wonder, however, if the addictiveness of e-cigarettes is as bad as with traditional cigarettes.
Research suggests that the addictiveness of vaping may actually be higher than that of traditional cigarettes.
One study found that the nicotine dependence levels of participants who vaped was two times higher than those who smoked traditional cigarettes. [3]
Those who develop a vaping addiction and try to stop will unfortunately face the same withdrawal symptoms as those trying to quit smoking.
These include the following:
Over the course of a few days or weeks, withdrawal can take an emotional toll on those trying to quit smoking.
The physical and mental difficulties of adjusting to a lack of nicotine can trigger anxiety, stress, anger, and sadness.
With vaping posing as much of a threat as traditional cigarettes when it comes to addiction development, it’s important to identify those who are most at risk of struggling.
Unfortunately, statistics suggest that young people are increasingly vaping, putting them at risk of developing an addiction.
The latest research shows that 1 in 5 children have tried vaping, a triple increase in the last three years. [4]
There are a range of both physiological and psychological effects of regular vaping, and those who become addicted to the activity will find themselves at greater risk of all of them.
Just as with smoking, vaping addictions can leave individuals at risk of:
The risk of addiction when it comes to vaping can be the impetus individuals need to decide they no longer want to do it.
Further, the health risks and wider life consequences outlined above can be enough to spur reformative action.
Deciding to stop vaping, however, is not a simple or easy choice to make.
Not only can people face social judgement amongst peers who also vape, but the action of steering away from an addictive behaviour or substance comes with a range of challenges.
Without question, the greatest challenge those who want to quit vaping will face is the withdrawal that comes as a result of the brain learning to adjust to suddenly reduced levels of nicotine and dopamine.
The symptoms listed above can have a huge impact on an individual’s day-to-day life.
On one level, they impact health and wellbeing – both physical and mental – but they also reach further, creating knock-on negative impacts for wider life.
Someone combatting nicotine withdrawal can find themselves struggling to live their life as usual, performing poorly and failing to give their best to everyday activities and interactions.
This means that they can fall short of others’ expectations as well as their own preconceptions about their ability to stop vaping.
Ultimately, these factors increase the likelihood of relapse.
Quitting any addiction is an incredibly difficult task, and those who want to stop vaping can take a number of steps to achieve this goal.
While there is no way to guarantee success, the odds of quitting can be deliberately enhanced.
The first place individuals can look to improve their chances of quitting vaping is themselves.
What they expect, what they believe is possible – there are so many facets that can be targeted to help boost success.
Most importantly, individuals must anticipate the challenges they are bound to face.
The withdrawal symptoms listed above can range in severity and nature, and generally speaking those who expect to be uncomfortable are those who will achieve sobriety.
This principle can also be applied to the ways in which quitting vaping will affect wider life.
Individuals can not only tell themselves to anticipate the ways withdrawal will impact them day-to-day, but they can also expect the social or emotional effects.
For example, they will do well to anticipate the social repercussions of not vaping with friends on a regular basis.
With a recognition of what obstacles are to come with quitting vaping, individuals can go a step further and tailor their life to support them through what will be a mentally and physically demanding period of time.
Due to the brain’s intense desire to obtain nicotine, relying on willpower to avoid vaping is not likely to be enough.
That isn’t to say individuals aren’t motivated enough – withdrawal can push even the most determined into behaving against their interests.
As a result, individuals can reduce the presence of vaping in their day-to-day life, as well as the things that tempt them to vape.
Removing all vape pens and e-cigarette devices is the best place to start.
They might also look to avoid stressful situations which usually incentivise vaping, or social environments that encourage casual vaping.
Combatting any kind of addiction is hard, and attempting to do so alone is near impossible.
While individuals may think themselves capable of pushing through, it always helps to know where support is if it is needed.
Rehab is the central tool of addiction recovery, and those who are really struggling with their nicotine withdrawal may find inpatient treatment to be a vital part of quitting vaping.
This treatment sees individuals enter a facility for approximately 28 days in order to access around-the-clock support and treatment as they work through the cravings and symptoms triggered by their sobriety.
These programmes allow individuals to detach themselves from the pressures and temptations of day-to-day life and fully commit their energies to overcoming addiction.
They can also benefit from the help of experts who know what they are experiencing.
For many people, being able to combat nicotine addiction and maintain as normal a life as possible is key, and that’s why outpatient treatment options are so valuable.
These programmes offer support to individuals in the form of evening or weekend sessions.
They vary in terms of what they specialise in, and their flexible nature means help can be accessed on a regular basis without interrupting day-to-day routines.
Those quitting vaping can benefit from sessions that not only provide them a space to speak about their experiences, but also introduce them to others who are also going through that journey and whom they can come to rely on for support and friendship.
It is very possible for an individual to quit vaping, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from professional support throughout that journey.
Even if it doesn’t make the difference between recovery and relapse, treatment programmes can play a big role in a successful recovery.
Possibly one of the biggest ways they help is in their ability to help individuals effectively understand and respond to their situation.
If an individual successfully quits vaping, they can still find life difficult to navigate without the activity.
Treatment can help them recognise this challenge and develop coping mechanisms which help prevent relapse even after vaping has stopped.
Recognising the risks associated with vaping can prompt individuals to reach out to their loved ones who vape.
There are a number of ways to help those looking to quit vaping, and it is important to understand how best to help make the process easier.
Overcoming an addiction is an emotional rollercoaster.
Withdrawal can spark everything from sadness and hopelessness to overwhelming feelings of anger. Supporting someone through this is about helping the handling of these emotions.
Rather than trivialising or questioning an individual’s emotional response, it’s important to acknowledge the value of how they feel and outline ways they can manage them in the healthiest way.
For many, talking things through can work wonders.
It can also help to remain by a friend’s side and remind them why they are undergoing such emotional strain.
Reminding them of their goal can prevent needless and irrational relapse.
The hidden impacts of addiction recovery are those involving social life.
Not only can feelings of anxiety and depression triggered by sobriety push individuals into social isolation and loneliness, but so too can the absence of the social element of vaping.
Therefore, supporting them through their journey can be as simple as keeping in touch, seeing them, and encouraging them to stay connected with the outside world.
Meeting them and keeping them company can help sustain a high mood and motivation.
As noted above, being aware of the resources available to help individuals through addiction recovery can make a huge difference to the likelihood of successfully quitting vaping.
Helping a friend overcome withdrawal can therefore be possible by guiding them towards the support options available in their local community.
It can also help to talk with them to help discover what help they want or need most.
If attempting to help a young person overcome their vaping addiction, it helps to bear a few things in mind:
If you or a loved one requires help to quit vaping, reach out today by dialling the number 0800 140 4690 for treatment enquiries.
Our friendly admissions officers will answer the call and will be at your disposal to answer any questions you have about the nicotine recovery process.
Every rehab and addiction treatment service in the UK that we recommend is vetted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and Wales or the Care Inspectorate (CI) in Scotland.
For free advice on how to get the best treatment for your vaping addiction, reach out to our experts today
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928221/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6651627/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
