Vaping

Vapes contain large amounts of nicotine, a highly addictive drug that acts as a poison if swallowed and has the potential to make the user seriously ill, or in some cases, cause death.

100% of vapes are incorrectly labelled as none of them disclose the full list of harmful chemicals, and most vapes that claim to be nicotine-free, actually contain high levels of nicotine.

There is also a common misconception that vaping is merely harmless water vapour — in fact, it’s an aerosol made up of tiny toxic particles and over 200 harmful chemical compounds, some of which are known to cause cancer, including:

As vapes are relatively new and haven’t been studied over a long period of time, it is impossible to say they are safer than cigarettes. The health risks associated with vaping remain uncertain, but they cannot be considered safe. Both vapes and cigarettes have health risks and are unsafe and dangerous to use. The safest approach is to not use either.

While the long-term health effects are still relatively unknown, we do know that vaping in the short-term has been associated with nausea, vomiting, mouth and airway irritation, chest pain and heart palpitations. The other associated health risks include:

Physical health risks

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mouth and airway irritation
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Increased risk of lung infections
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Increased risk of obstructive lung diseases such as asthma

Mental health risks

• Stress and irritability
• Feelings of anxiety
• Higher risk of depression
• Impaired brain development
• Impaired memory and concentration

In NSW, it is illegal for anyone to buy (or have) a vape with nicotine without a prescription from a doctor. People who are 18 or over can buy vapes that do not contain nicotine.

If you are under 18, it is illegal for someone to sell you any kind of e-cigarette (it doesn’t matter if it contains nicotine, or not). It is also illegal for someone who is aged 18 or over to buy a vape for you.

Learn more about the laws around vaping on the NSW Health : e-cigarettes page.

Vaping among young Australians has increased dramatically in recent years, and research shows it is becoming more popular among children and adolescents even though it is illegal except on prescription.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, e-cigarette use by Australians aged 14 or older has more than doubled from 2016 to 2019 and is most common among smokers aged 18–24.

Young people are attracted to vaping as e-cigarettes are designed to appeal to young people with their sweet flavourings and bright colours.

Social media has also been found to play a role as both an information source and as a means of exposure to e-cigarette advertising in Australia that glamourises vaping. The use of vapes by social media influencers and viral trends involving vapes has also led to a steady rise in vaping among young people.

It can be hard to say no to your friends, but you should put yourself first and only do things that you feel comfortable with.

It may help to have a reason or two to tell your friends why you don't want to vape. You could say:

• 'No, vaping gives me headaches and makes me feel sick'
• 'I'm focused on my footy and I don't want vaping getting in the way'

Saying no and setting boundaries can be difficult, but each time it will get easier. Remember, each time you have FOMO when it comes to vaping, the only thing you're actually missing out on are nasty health consequences and a looming nicotine addiction.

Check out this video and hear what NRL players from the New Zealand Warriors have to say.

Signs of addiction

• Cravings, or feeling like you really need to vape
• Going out of your way to get a vape
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Continuing to vape because you find it hard to stop
• Having trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Depressed mood
• Hunger or food cravings

Know why you’re quitting

There are many good reasons to quit vaping. Do you want to feel healthier? Save money? Not be controlled by addiction? Knowing why you want to quit vaping can help you stay motivated and focused on your goal to become vape-free.

Commit to your quit

• Give yourself time to get ready
• Don’t put it off for too long
• Set yourself up for success

Create a personalised quit plan to help you stay confident and motivated in your quitting journey. Having a plan for handling the tough times can help you stay on track and increases your chances of quitting successfully.

Know what challenges to expect

• Learn your triggers
• Prepare for cravings and withdrawals
• Resist temptations

Imagine your vape-free self

• Make the mental shift
• Focus on the positive
• Picture the future you

Build your team

• Ask for help
  • Be specific: Tell your family and friends what type of support you want
  • Say thank you: Tell your support team you appreciate them
• Support others: Check in with your friend and ask them how you can help
• Talk to a professional: talk to a doctor or another health care professional about how to quit vaping or talk to a cessation counsellor