A quick guide to vaping
Switching to vaping can be a beneficial step if you smoke. Here's what to know about devices, nicotine and cutting down.
A step away from smoking
Switching to vaping can be a beneficial step for current smokers. Vaping delivers nicotine without the harmful tar and many of the toxic chemicals found in traditional cigarettes.
As a result, it's considered a less harmful alternative, offering smokers a path to reduce their smoking-related risks while still satisfying nicotine cravings.
The short version
- 95% less harmful than smoking
- No smoke, tar or carbon monoxide
- Buy from a reputable supplier
- Check your device meets safety standards
How do vaping devices work?
Vaping devices can support people to quit smoking by delivering nicotine to receptors in the brain.
There is no combustion (burning) in e-cigarettes, so there is no smoke, tar or carbon monoxide.
Following extensive research, Public Health England concluded that 'e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking'.
Mouth and throat irritation are the most common side effects, but these generally subside over time.
Choosing your device
Choosing a device is a personal choice. These three steps will help you get it right.
01
Do your research
Take time to understand the options before you buy.
02
Find a reputable supplier
Seek out a reputable supplier who can provide an appropriate product for your smoking habit.
03
Check the charger
Make sure the charger on your chosen device meets British Standards for electrical safety.
Your vaping questions answered
You should use your device to help manage nicotine withdrawal and urges to smoke. You will soon discover the best way of using it for you.
It's not like a cigarette, which you would smoke from start to finish. With an e-cigarette or vape you can 'sip' on it once or twice, and then put it away.
If you find that you have your vape in your mouth all the time, you may need to use a higher nicotine strength liquid.
Nicotine does not cause smoking-related diseases such as cancers and heart disease. These are caused by other chemicals found in tobacco.
Nicotine is addictive, which is why people continue to smoke despite knowing about the harmful effects. Nicotine in e-cigarettes poses little danger to adult users.
To prevent accidental poisoning of children and pets, e-cigarettes and liquids should be stored away safely and out of reach.
When you are ready to start reducing how much you vape, many of the techniques you learnt when quitting smoking may help.
- Distraction
- Changing your routines
- Gradually reducing the nicotine content
- Leaving your vape in a drawer or a set place at home, so you don't 'sip' on it out of habit
- Talking to one of our advisers, who can support you to stop vaping, or using a licensed NRT product such as a patch
Ready to stop vaping? We can help
Our advisers support people to stop vaping as well as smoking. Whether you switched to vaping to give up cigarettes or you've never smoked, we'll help you make a plan to cut down and stop, at a pace that suits you.
Everything you need to stop for good
Who we can support
Our free programmes are available to:
- People who live, work, study or have a GP in Dudley
- Aged 18 and over
- Smoke or vape, and want to quit
Talk to a stop smoking and vaping adviser
If you meet the criteria above, contact us today and start your journey towards better health. Our free, confidential support is tailored to you.