Thinking of quitting vaping, but haven't committed to a why yet? Lay the foundations to quit by settling on a reason. It will make the road ahead much easier.

If you choose to improve your health as your reason to quit, you're not alone. It's a common reason amongst quitters.

Perhaps you want to look after your mental health better? Or maybe you want to address a persistent cough.

To help you find your reason, let's take a dive into how vapes can impact your health.

Mental health

Some people vape to stop feeling depressed or anxious. But, instead of giving you the feel-good vibes you hoped for, vaping could be making you more anxious and depressed. There are better ways you can manage anxiety and depression.

You don't have to carry this burden alone. If you're experiencing mental health problems, call or use a free online counselling support service, such as Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue or headspace.

Addiction

Vaping, even casually, can lead to addiction. Vapes contain the highly addictive ingredient nicotine (even when it's not listed on the vape).

Not sure if you're addicted? Addiction is when you have a strong physical or psychological need or urge to do something or use something. If you have to vape first thing in the morning or constantly excuse yourself from the office or dinner dates to vape, you're most likely addicted.

Once you quit vaping, you won't have the urge to vape anymore. You will no longer be dependent on vaping or nicotine.

Poisoning

If you swallow nicotine from a vape or have too much nicotine in your body, you can get poisoned. Nicotine poisoning can make you feel nauseous and confused, have headaches and vomit. You can also experience other side effects, such as diarrhoea, feeling weak and tired, or shallow breathing.

If you suspect that someone has been poisoned, get medical help immediately. You can call the Poisons Information Line 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia on 13 11 26.

If the person is showing signs of being seriously ill, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, drowsiness or seizures (fits), call triple zero (000) for an ambulance, or take the person to the closest emergency department.

Short- and long-term risks

Vapes haven't been around for a long time, so experts are still learning about their health risks. If you vape, you may experience short-term risks including:

• persistent coughing
• feeling out of breath
• feeling nauseous and vomiting
• seizures from inhaling too much nicotine or swallowing e-liquid
• burns or injury when the vape overheats or explodes

Vaping also has long-term risks including:

• causing breathing problems and permanent lung damage
• harming your brain development

Vapes can contain other chemicals and toxins that have the potential to have a negative impact on your health.

For more support

• Create a quit plan with help from Quitline.
• Speak to a Quitline counsellor in your language with the help of a translator on 13 7848.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives to help you quit vaping.
• Learn about the impact of vaping during pregnancy.
• Discover the impact vapes have on the environment.