Young people taking initiative to quit at Canberra's first dedicated vaping support program
Canberra's Nicotine Knockout program supports young people in quitting vaping, addressing a growing addiction fueled by accessibility and mental health factors.Summary
Canberra's first dedicated vaping support program, Nicotine Knockout, is seeing young people proactively seek help to quit vaping. Operated through Anglicare, the program provides support from nurses and youth workers for individuals under 25 struggling with nicotine dependence. The program's success is attributed to its non-judgmental and supportive environment, recognizing that quitting is often a process with setbacks. While prescription vapes are seen by some as a step down, experts warn that no vape is entirely safe, with concerns about long-term health impacts like lung and oral cancers. Research indicates that young people are drawn to vaping for reasons beyond quitting smoking, including curiosity, taste, and stress management, highlighting the need for comprehensive support addressing both addiction and underlying mental health issues. Despite stricter regulations on vape sales, accessibility remains a challenge, with a thriving black market.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))
