With a growing number of media reports about the negative health effects from vaping with e-cigarettes, such as JUUL products, more people are now trying to quit vaping and kick their nicotine habits to the curb. However, quitting JUUL does not always come easily for those already addicted to the high nicotine content in these vapes. Experiencing JUUL withdrawal can be very unpleasant for many vapers trying to stop vaping, however, knowing what to expect can increase your chances of success. As health studies are now starting to show, the benefits of quitting JUUL in the long-term almost certainly outweigh the short-term discomforts. Remember, there are no safe tobacco products, and the best way to avoid potential negative health effects from vaping is to stop JUULing for good.
Understand JUUL Nicotine Addiction
Like most e-cigarettes, JUUL products contain nicotine, which is the highly addictive drug found in regular cigarettes and other tobacco products. By some estimates, JUUL is at least four times as potent and traditional cigarettes, and JUUL cartridges contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. Nicotine can harm brain development by changing they way synapses are built. Many experts advise having a support network of family, friends and counselors during their quit attempt. Talking to others can ease the burden of quitting and make it a much less isolating experience.
Prepare for JUUL Withdrawal Symptoms
When you stop JUULing, your body and brain will need to adjust to not having the usual nicotine content. For those going through JUUL withdrawal, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and trigger cravings for nicotine. Some common symptoms include having headaches, sweating, anxiousness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, feeling sad and having difficulty concentrating. Fortunately there are ways to manage JUUL withdrawal symptoms, including the use of nicotine replacement therapy products (NRT), such as nicotine gum, patches and lozenges, many of which are available over-the-counter. Talk to your doctor about which products may be right for you so you can address the side effects of quitting JUUL in advance.
Try Weaning Off Before Quitting JUUL Cold Turkey
By using nicotine gum, patches and lozenges, many people are able to successfully wean off e-cigarettes gradually by addressing nicotine withdrawal over many days while they gradually stop JUULing. However, for others the best approach may be to try quitting JUUL cold turkey, which means giving it up abruptly on your quit vaping date. In general, the worst of the withdrawal symptoms will be over after a couple of days of quitting cold turkey. Having healthy snacks on hand and avoiding common triggers, such as people, places and situations that cause you to vape will increase your chances of success.
Identify Your Vaping Triggers
Triggers are the people, places and situations that cause you vape and stay locked into your habit. Common triggers include drinking alcohol, stress, meals and going to places where people are vaping socially. Before you quit JUUL make a list of your vaping triggers and how you plan to cope so you are prepared for when these situations come up.
Download a Quit JUUL App
While there are many smartphone apps for quitting smoking, there are still relatively few apps for quitting JUUL and vaping. The Aeris tobacco cessation app is one popular app for quitting vaping and smoking, and is available for free on iOS and Android devices (available Fall 2019). Aeris helps vapers set up a personalized quit plan and track e-cigarette usage, cravings and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, along with displaying helpful tips and tricks to help you on your quit journey. Aeris also shows your health recovery metrics so you can track the many health benefits of quitting JUUL.
No matter what your reasons are for quitting the JUUL, remember that nicotine addiction can be difficult to break, and it may take several attempts before success is achieved. However, it is important to realize it can be done and there are others who have quit JUUL and are willing to help you do the same. Read more from others seeking to live tobacco-free lives by visiting the quitting JUUL Reddit discussion threads.
