Some people have a much harder time than others do in trying to stop vaping or smoking. There are many reasons for this. Some people just become more physically addicted to nicotine than others. The difficulty in quitting may be related to when in their personal development, they first began using nicotine; or that they simply have more distressing withdrawal symptoms, than others may have, in response to nicotine.
We try to encourage people who are more addicted to develop a more personal understanding, or self-compassion, for their own specific situation. Self-criticism and blame can just add insult to injury; and frankly, can make it more difficult to stop. Instead, try focusing the anger on where it belongs – the tobacco companies; for they have created a highly sophisticated and extremely addicting product in both the vaping devices as well as the combustible cigarette. These powerful drug delivery devices, combined with the additional vulnerability that some people have for becoming addicted to nicotine, can make it terribly hard to stop.
If you smoke or vape, it is important that you stop - even though it can be hard. Try to avoid blaming yourself for not being able to quit, as it is a very difficult thing to do. Try to be thoughtful of what your needs would be as you begin a process towards quitting. Seek out the encouragement and support that can lead you to success – such as reaching to those in the EX- community. And if you have tried to quit, that is great! Remember that you learn something every time you try that can help with that next attempt. Think of the days during which you were successful in past attempts, rather than focusing on the reason you ‘relapsed’. And again, if you have not yet succeeded, do not blame yourself; but get the help you need to stop tobacco for good.
Michael V. Burke, Ed.D
Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS
