Vaping
Vapes, or e-cigarettes, are also known as vaporisers or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
They are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine by heating a solution containing nicotine, flavourings and other additives. They consist of a mouthpiece, battery and cartridge or tank containing the nicotine solution.
Our position on vaping
Vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. However, vapes are not recommended for use by children and young people, or anyone who has never smoked, as vaping is not completely harmless.
In the short term, people may suffer from headaches, sore throats, dizziness, and coughs. Although vapes have been around for over 15 years, there isn’t yet enough evidence to know what the long-term effects might be.
You can view our full position on vaping and a comprehensive list of vaping statistics in our CYP Position Statement below:
Vaping in children and young people
There has been an increase in the number of children and young people (CYP) who are currently using vapes and e-cigarettes.
You can view below key figures and statistics regarding vaping in children and young people in West Northamptonshire:
Recent figures from the Schools Health Education Unit survey (2022) show that 6% of pupils responded that they vape 'regularly' covering the West Northants area. The same survey showed that 3% of Year 6 pupils, 18% of Year 8 pupils and 38% of Year 10 pupils responded that they have at least tried vaping.
In 2023 there was a notable increase in the number of CYP using vapes and e-cigarettes, as detailed in the ‘Use of e-cigarettes (vapes) among young people in Great Britain’ survey by Action on Smoking and Health.
The percentage of 11–17-year-olds having tried e-cigarettes rose from 13.9% in 2020 to 20.5% in 2023. A similar trend was seen in the number of current users, increasing from 3.3% in 2021 to 7.6% in 2023.
The results of the 2023 survey suggest that regular use has not increased significantly since 2022, but that trying vaping once or twice is up by 50%.
Although this is a cause for concern, it’s worth noting that 92% of under 18s who have never smoked, have also never vaped, and only 2% have vaped more frequently than once or twice.
It is important to remember that vapes are proven as a successful method to support adult smokers to quit smoking. Vapes provide nicotine without tobacco smoke which contains carbon monoxide and tar which are both toxic.
Smoking remains one of the biggest killers, accounting for 15% of all deaths in the UK in 2019 and killing up to two thirds of all long-term smokers prematurely.
Vaping and smoking cessation
Vapes can be used as a tool to support you to stop smoking, but we do not recommend vaping if you do not smoke. Electronic Cigarettes - ASH vapes are age-restricted products and we can only provide them to those over the age of 18.
If you think you may wish to use a vape with us, please be prepared to prove your age during your first consultation. You will be asked to do this by emailing a photo of your ID to our secure inbox.
Help to stop vaping
During your quit attempt, we will provide you with advice on how to stop vaping.
The advisor will:
- assess the client's needs and risk of relapse by asking simple questions about their confidence in staying free from vaping
- offer tailored support, such as switching to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for clients in the early stages of quitting
- for clients interested in gradual reduction, options include reducing nicotine strength, extending the time between vaping, and setting rules for where they vape
- clients using disposable vapes can consider switching to a tank system vape for gradual reduction or use reduction strategies that don't rely on reducing nicotine dose
- for clients wanting to stop vaping in one step, encourage them to manage urges with distraction and commitment to the 'not-a-puff' rule
- emphasise the importance of maintaining vaping or pausing reduction if there is any risk of relapse to smoking, with the priority of preventing the client from starting smoking again
We do not offer a stop vaping service to those who are only using vapes. If you have successfully stopped smoking using a vape, but would now like to stop vaping, here are some tips to assist you:
Look at what strength you currently use and reduce it down i.e., 20mg, 18mg, 12mg, 6mg, 3mg, 0mg. Everyone is different as to the speed in which they reduce and finally stop vaping. You will find what works best for you and set yourself a goal on how to wean yourself off.
Set aside the vape or put it out of reach so that it is not visible. Only go to it when you feel the need but by extending the length of time you go to it will enable you to use it less and less.
Vape only when you are outside of the house or car, only use it when you have a break at work. This will not necessarily lead to a reduction in the amount of nicotine vaped, but it will weaken the link between vaping in specific situations and times.
Look for different activities to do when you would normally be vaping. Go for a walk but do not take the vape with you, do some gardening or other activities that keep your hands engaged. Try not to think about vaping.
Remember, only stop using your e-cigarette when you feel confident you will not return to smoking. Vaping is not risk-free, but it is significantly safer than smoking.
Schools in West Northamptonshire looking to improve student health and wellbeing can view our Healthy Schools Service.
Last updated 19 March 2024