Is Stopping Vaping a Problem?

Why Has Quitting Vaping Been a Problem, Even Without Nicotine?

Vaping, like smoking,  has long been associated with nicotine addiction, but many people are surprised to find that even after switching to zero-nicotine e-liquids, they still feel compelled to vape. While zero-nicotine vapes don't contain the substance, people can still experience a form of dependence on them. We decided to breakdown the factors involved:

Behavioural:

• The act of vaping itself can become an habitual behaviour. The hand-to-mouth motion, the inhalation and exhalation, and the social aspects of vaping can create a sense of routine and comfort.

• This can lead to a psychological dependence, where individuals feel a strong urge to vape even without the presence of nicotine.

Sensory Experience:

• Vaping provides a sensory experience that some people find enjoyable. This includes the flavours, the vapour production, and the sensation in the throat and lungs.

• These sensory stimuli can trigger dopamine release in the brain, which reinforces the behaviour and creates a sense of pleasure.

Psychological Factors:

• Vaping can become associated with stress relief, relaxation, or social interaction.

• People may use zero-nicotine vapes as a coping mechanism for these situations, leading to a psychological dependence.

Social Influence:

• Especially among younger people, vaping can be a social activity. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in can contribute to the continued use of vapes, even those without nicotine.

The Ritual:

• For some people the act of the ritual is what they are addicted to. The act of the hand to mouth motion, and the act of exhaling the vapour is something that they find comforting.

In essence, even without nicotine, the behavioural and sensory aspects of vaping can create a sense of dependence. All this leads us to two questions:

1. What part, if any at all, did nicotine play in keeping a person vaping?

2. What part, if any at all, did nicotine play in keeping a person smoking?

I suspect that the answer to both is "not very much," something we have been saying for a while.

Ready to Quit for Good?

If you’re tired of feeling controlled by vaping, with or without nicotine, hypnotherapy offers a powerful solution. Book a free phone call.  It could be your first step to being rid of vapes forever.

Look out for my next blog which takes an interesting look at what breathing, that most vital of all actions, has to do with vaping or smoking, and how it can be used to combat both.