A first vaping cessation program for young adults has been launched
A first vaping cessation program for young adults has been launched by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). Young people are the biggest consumers of vaping products in Quebec, which exposes them to health problems.
In fact, 22% of young people aged 18 to 24 vape, according to the 2023 Quebec Tobacco and Vaping Products Survey. "Aspire to Better" is a free support program specially adapted to the needs of this age group. The goal is to help them get rid of their addiction to vaping. In fact, half of people who vape want to quit.
At this time, the long-term health effects of vaping are not known, but it is known that people who vape are exposed to potentially toxic or carcinogenic substances that are contained in vaping products, including nicotine.
Alexandra Lalonde, program manager of cancer prevention at the Canadian Cancer Society, believes that young people are often misinformed about the effects of vaping. "Either there is misinformation or it is not talked about enough," she says. I think they are aware of the risks associated with tobacco, and therefore cigarettes, but many believe that vaping is safe. »
Lalonde explains that the vast majority of vaping products contain nicotine, which is as addictive as heroin and cocaine. That's what makes it so hard to quit vaping.
Vaping will also have an impact on mental health. This can lead to mood disorders and depression. In terms of physical health, vaping can cause oral and respiratory problems, such as coughs, bronchitis and asthma. It can go as far as heart problems even in a young person.
The new six- to eight-week programme was developed by experts with the participation of young people. It includes personalized text support, a mobile app with reliable information about vaping, and a private Facebook group for peer support moderated by the CCS.
The participant can choose how often they want to receive texts – which can be up to six texts per week – in order to keep them motivated until the end of the challenge. "In addition to all this, there is support that is accessible 24 hours a day through the use of keywords that are presented in the registration," saysMs. Lalonde. For example, the user could text the keyword "motivation", "help", "relapse" or "stress", and they will receive a message to help them.
The Quit Telephone Line and the services of Smoking Cessation Centres are also available to program participants who would like to speak face-to-face with someone.
The "Aspire to Better" program was first rolled out to health professionals and workers who work with young people who vape. It has already proven itself. Of the 351 participants who tried it as part of a pilot project, 25% of those who completed the program reported that they completely stopped vaping for the duration of the challenge. "This is a very encouraging result," said Ms. Lalonde. The program has just been extended to the general public, who can register online on the aspireamieux.ca website.
The Canadian Press' health content is getting funding through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.
In fact, 22% of young people aged 18 to 24 vape, according to the 2023 Quebec Tobacco and Vaping Products Survey. "Aspire to Better" is a free support program specially adapted to the needs of this age group. The goal is to help them get rid of their addiction to vaping. In fact, half of people who vape want to quit.
At this time, the long-term health effects of vaping are not known, but it is known that people who vape are exposed to potentially toxic or carcinogenic substances that are contained in vaping products, including nicotine.
Alexandra Lalonde, program manager of cancer prevention at the Canadian Cancer Society, believes that young people are often misinformed about the effects of vaping. "Either there is misinformation or it is not talked about enough," she says. I think they are aware of the risks associated with tobacco, and therefore cigarettes, but many believe that vaping is safe. »
Lalonde explains that the vast majority of vaping products contain nicotine, which is as addictive as heroin and cocaine. That's what makes it so hard to quit vaping.
Vaping will also have an impact on mental health. This can lead to mood disorders and depression. In terms of physical health, vaping can cause oral and respiratory problems, such as coughs, bronchitis and asthma. It can go as far as heart problems even in a young person.
The new six- to eight-week programme was developed by experts with the participation of young people. It includes personalized text support, a mobile app with reliable information about vaping, and a private Facebook group for peer support moderated by the CCS.
The participant can choose how often they want to receive texts – which can be up to six texts per week – in order to keep them motivated until the end of the challenge. "In addition to all this, there is support that is accessible 24 hours a day through the use of keywords that are presented in the registration," saysMs. Lalonde. For example, the user could text the keyword "motivation", "help", "relapse" or "stress", and they will receive a message to help them.
The Quit Telephone Line and the services of Smoking Cessation Centres are also available to program participants who would like to speak face-to-face with someone.
The "Aspire to Better" program was first rolled out to health professionals and workers who work with young people who vape. It has already proven itself. Of the 351 participants who tried it as part of a pilot project, 25% of those who completed the program reported that they completely stopped vaping for the duration of the challenge. "This is a very encouraging result," said Ms. Lalonde. The program has just been extended to the general public, who can register online on the aspireamieux.ca website.
The Canadian Press' health content is getting funding through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.
