How to support someone who wants to break up with their vape

Suggest writing a break-up letter

For many people, the use of online digital tools, nicotine replacement therapy, and a strong support network can be the key to ending their nicotine addiction for good. If someone you care about is interested in quitting vaping or any tobacco product, here are some tips for how to best support them. 

The more distractions, the better

Stay patient, positive, and encouraging

Quitting vaping can cause a wide range of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and increased feelings of anxiety and depression. During the early days of quitting, it may be helpful to extend extra care and share words of encouragement with your friend. Consider sending them a care package, taking them out for a fun meal or activity, and talk about the positive outcomes that come with replacing a vape with healthier coping mechanisms. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they’d find helpful, too! 

Keep in mind that being supportive is equally important when someone experiences setbacks in their journey to quit. It’s normal for people to relapse periodically as they figure out what quitting approaches work for them. If someone relapses while trying to quit, avoid punishing or shaming them. Responding with compassion and understanding can go a long way and can help people get back on track. Be positive and revisit the reasons they set out to quit nicotine in the first place. Remind them that each time someone fights through a nicotine craving, they gain confidence and build healthier coping mechanisms – making it a little easier each time

Suggest writing a break-up letter

If someone you care about is ready to say goodbye to nicotine, consider helping them write a break-up letter to their vape or other tobacco product. This letter can include why they want to quit, the impact that nicotine addiction has had on their life, their emotions surrounding quitting, and what they hope to gain. 

It can also be helpful for people to hear from others who are quitting or have successfully quit. People quitting any type of tobacco or nicotine product can sign up for EX Program and access the nation’s most established online quit community, where they can post and read break-up letters written by fellow quitters and get inspired. 

Here are some examples of break-up letters from people quitting vaping, smoking, or multiple tobacco products.

Celebrate each accomplishment

Helping someone recognize and celebrate each small accomplishment can boost resistance to stress and cravings. Whether someone is one day, one month, or one year free from vaping, it’s important to celebrate every small victory that leads to a successful quit attempt. Get creative about ways to help someone celebrate to show your support and boost confidence. 

Share tools and resources

Quitting vaping is one of the best things someone can do for their health, and there are tools to help. Sharing tips and quit-vaping resources is a great way to show that you care about someone as they embark on their journey to quit. 

Daily reminders and encouragement can also help people gain confidence and fight cravings. EX Program offers a free, interactive text message program that delivers support straight to a user’s phone or email, so they can track quit days and celebrate each step.   

Hearing from people who have successfully quit can also be inspiring and motivating. There’s a whole community of people learning how to quit vaping, and many are willing to offer support and advice. People quitting any type of tobacco or nicotine product can access the nation's most established online quit community through EX Program, browse advice from Mayo Clinic cessation specialists, and read tips and experiences from fellow quitters and former tobacco users.

Join EX Program for free by texting EXPROGRAM to 88709. 

By texting EXPROGRAM to 88709, you consent to recurring messages from EX Program to help you quit vaping, and agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Text STOP to opt-out. Text HELP for info. Msg & Data Rates May Apply.