Vaping | Beach Cities Health District

For Youth: Tips to Quit Vaping

Youth e-cigarette use has decreased to its lowest level in a decade. In 2024, 5 million youth reported using e-cigarettes, which is two-thirds lower than the peak reported use in 2019. However, vaping still remains an urgent issue in U.S. schools due to its serious health impacts (CDC, 2024).

Think about why you want to quit vaping and how it is affecting your life.
Don’t put it off for too long and make a commitment to a specific day to quit.
Create a personalized quit plan to help you stay motivated.
Know what challenges to expect such as triggers, cravings and withdrawals. o Imagine your life without vaping and focus on the positive things in your life that don’t involve vaping.
Surround yourself with people who can support you during the quitting process. o Seek out help, such as from a healthcare professional or tobacco cessation counselor.

Source: Smoke Free Teen

Know the Facts

In Los Angeles County, 6% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days in 2019-21. Use increases statewide, with 10% of high school students reporting e-cigarette use. The Beach Cities had slightly lower rates:

1 in 20 11th graders report using electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other vaping devices in the past 30 days
More than 1 in 2 11th graders report it is fairly easy or very easy to obtain e-cigarettes or vaping devices

Information Sourced From
California Health Kids Survey, 2023-24

The Dangers of Vaping

Vaping can result in a lung disease called E-cigarette or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), which includes symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough and chest pain.

From April 2022 to March 2023, there were 7,043 reported e-cigarette exposure cases to the CDC, with 8.3% of these cases requireing treatment at a healthcare facility (CDC, 2023).

The liquid in vapes can contain:

Nicotine, the highly addictive drug found in cigarettes
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive mind-altering compound found in marijuana that produces the “high”

Parents, you’re the most important influence in your child’s life. Talk to them about the dangers of vaping today.

Tips to Talk About It

Always keep conversations open and honest
Come from a place of love, even when you’re having a tough conversation
Provide positive reinforcement
It’s never too early – or too late – to start the conversation
Parents, find tips to have the conversation

Resources to Quit Vaping

Find cessation resources here.
Find mental health and substance use resources and referrals here.
Quitting vaping can be easier when you prepare in advance and have a plan. Find out what steps you can take to get ready to quit vaping from Smokefree Teens.
In the wake of the U.S. Surgeon General declaring a youth e-cigarette epidemic, Truth Initiative® has expanded its quit-smoking resources to include a first-of-its kind e-cigarette quit program.
E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA as a cessation aid for adults or youth.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the only FDA-approved method for adult nicotine addiction treatment. Currently, the FDA has not approved NRT for youth under 18 years old, but youth can access all forms of NRT with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
If you are a teen or young adult who is trying to quit nicotine, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or call a help line:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has resources available to help you quit smoking: call the quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW), use the quitSTART app, sign up for free texts and find social support.