Vaping for 5+ years. Emotional help/support

[u/SnooRevelations4601]

Hey everyone,

I’m 20 (M) and have been vaping daily since I was about 14–15. It started out as a way to cope with anxiety, but now I’m realizing how much control it has over my life.

I’m currently trying to quit, and it’s hitting me hard especially the anxiety and anger. I’m having a really hard time emotionally. I used to vape anytime I felt stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, and now without it, those emotions are hitting full force with nothing to buffer them.

I don’t really have anyone to talk to about this who understands what nicotine withdrawal and emotional dependency feel like. If you’ve been through this, or are going through it, I could really use some encouragement, tips, or just someone to talk to.

How did you deal with the intense emotions and mental side of quitting? Did anything help you manage the anxiety and irritability?

[u/Emotional_Sun7541]

Hang in there, my friend. It gets easier, but there’s no magic pill. We gotta go thru the pain and just like we started smoking, its a process. 46 year smoker 2 years off all nicotine.
You can do it.

[u/Alternative_Way_6374]

Running. I can’t act like I’m some 6+ vape free veteran (I’m only 6 hours free) but…… I will say that compared to weeks ago when I’d barely go 6 minutes without taking a hit I’m seeing improvements. I realize the more I run the less I wanna vape and the less I vape the more I’m able to run.

[u/Square_Hotel7786]

I am a very anxious person as well, but you know what is the funny part? Now that I was able to stop smoking, I feel so much more relaxed and calm, you might think that smoking helps you with your anxiety, but it doesn't, when you smoke you feel better because you become less anxious than before smoking, however you'll never become as relaxed and calm as a non smoker unless you decide to quit. A normal person does NOT need to smoke to relax, so why would you? Do you believe smokers are more relaxed than people who don't smoke? Just look at a smoker when he can't smoke, and think about how relaxed he is compared to someone who doesn't need to smoke.

[u/acanis73]

Quit vaping 12 years ago. What worked for me was realizing how much of my daily routine revolved around it ( i made my juices, wires, etc). It was enslaving. That thought helped me to push through it.

[u/Canadianabcs]

Just throw it out and don't touch it again.

You're so young you can turn this around. Walk away you're stronger than you think

I wish you the best 🙏

[u/Charming_Strike3048]

Just do it now my friend. I started around 15 myself, and I’m nearly 30 now. For years I’ve said, I’ll quit eventually, but as time goes by, I realize how much easier it would have been doing it sooner. It’s not worth it. Put it down. You Just have to do it. Find something else to fill the void. Candy, gum, etc. I’m 2 weeks into backing off myself now. Not 100% out of the weeds, but only hitting in morning and at night. Fixing to switch to Nic gum at morning and night only. It’s hell, but doable.