Nicotine is a fast-acting drug that starts affecting the brain just seconds after it is absorbed in the bloodstream. From there, it disrupts normal communication between neurotransmitters in the brain and triggers chemical reactions that produce temporary sensations like relaxation, euphoria, alertness, and calmness.
The feel-good sensations that the nicotine in vaping devices produces is very short-lived (often just a few minutes) and can leave you wanting another dose shortly after your first. It’s easy to see how this cycle could quickly get out of control and lead to addiction.
If you are trapped by your relationship with your vaping device and you feel like you can’t function normally without it, you may be addicted to it. E-cigarettes and vaping devices may be hard to give up, but it’s not impossible.
You can most certainly overcome a vaping addiction and there is help available. Some of the best ways to get started are:
Ask an expert who has experience with smoking cessation for advice.
Develop a personal plan to quit vaping using ideas from the National Institute of Health’s smokfree.gov website.
Consider using medications and other nicotine replacement options like patches or gum.
Have a set of go-to activities to distract yourself from cravings and urges to vape.
Join an addiction recovery support group in your community.
Distance yourself from friends who vape and places or environments that make you want to start vaping again.