Vaping has surged in popularity but many users are now asking how to quit
Vaping has surged in popularity in the UAE but left many questioning how to end their nicotine addiction. Arabian Business reached out to doctors in the UAE for guidance on how to quit vaping. Respiratory Specialist Dr. Rania Zein Eldien, based at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital, emphasises five straightforward steps that smokers can take to successfully quit: establishing goals, choosing a quit date, seeking professional medical advice, enlisting support from loved ones for accountability, and steering clear of triggers.
How to quit vaping
Conquering the addiction to vaping requires determination and support, but as highlighted by Dr. Zein Eldien, those looking to quit can significantly improve their chances of success by implementing a five-step plan.
“Set goals even if it includes reducing vaping gradually,” she said. Unlike smoking cigarettes, vaping is more socially acceptable, making it easier for nicotine-addicted people to turn to.
Withdrawal symptoms
Both vaping and smoking are addictive and the levels of many of the chemicals in e-cigarettes is higher when you burn tobacco. Vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know what kind of long-term damage it might cause,” said Dr. Zein Eldien.
“The particles you inhale while vaping can cause inflammation and irritation in your lungs. This can lead to lung damage like scarring and narrowing of the tubes that bring air in and out of your lungs. Researchers don’t yet know all the effects vaping can have on your body.”
Concerns mount over teenage use of vapes
Vape liquid contains up to 80 chemicals including nicotine as well cancer-causing chemicals and toxic heavy metals like nickel, lead and tin. Particularly concerning is the fact that more children, teenagers and young adults have turned to vaping for fun or out of curiosity. Some studies have found that the majority of teens who smoked the JUUL vape were unaware that they contained nicotine as many of them turned to vapes for the fruity flavours and became highly addicted. It is estimated that some 800,000 teenagers vaped for the first time in 2021, and this number is expected to be higher in 2023.
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