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Youth Cessation

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Know the risks.
Stay informed.
Get support.

About Nicotine

Nicotine is an addictive stimulant commonly found in tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

It does not cause a high but rewards the brain. This makes people continue to use it!

Fun fact: nicotine has been used in the past as an insecticide!

Nicotine contributes to the following in the adolescent brain:

1. Decrease in memory

2. Decrease in attention

3. Impairment of executive functioning

4. Increased risk for mental health and behavioral issues

5. Increase in nicotine receptors

Stages of Misuse

  • Experimentation

  • Regular Use

  • Problem or Risky Use

  • Dependence

  • Addiction

Signs of Addiction

  1. Do you continue to vape even though you want to quit?

  2. Do you feel anxious or irritable when you want to use your vape but can’t?

  3. Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when you are focused on other activities?

  4. Do you still vape after getting in trouble with your parents or school for vaping?

  5. Have you ever tried to quit vaping but couldn’t?

  6. Do you feel like you have lost control over your vaping?

Best Texting Services to Help Quit!

SmokefreeTXT for Teens

  • What it is: A free text messaging program designed for teens aged 13–17 in the U.S. who want to quit smoking.

  • How it works: Sign up by texting QUIT to 47848. You'll receive daily supportive messages for 6–8 weeks. 

SmokefreeTXT

  • What it is: A free text messaging service for individuals aged 13 and older aiming to quit smoking.

  • How it works: Text QUIT to 47848 to enroll and receive daily tips and encouragement.

DipfreeTXT

  • What it is: A free text-based program for young adults in the U.S. looking to quit smokeless tobacco (dip).

  • How it works: Text SPIT to 222888 to start receiving daily support messages for 6–8 weeks.

SmokefreeTXT en Español

  • What it is: The Spanish-language version of SmokefreeTXT, offering support to Spanish-speaking individuals.

  • How it works: Text LIBRE to 47848 to enroll and receive daily messages in Spanish. 

Outsmart Nicotine (EX Program)

  • What it is: A free digital cessation program developed by Truth Initiative and the Mayo Clinic, targeting young adults aged 18–24.

  • How it works: Join by texting EXPROGRAM to 88709 to access tools and support for quitting nicotine. 

My Life, My Quit

  • What it is: A free and confidential service for teens aged 13–17 seeking to quit vaping or using tobacco.

  • How it works: Text Start My Quit to 36072, call 1-855-891-9989, or visit mylifemyquit.com to connect with a trained quit coach.

Best Free Apps

My QuitBuddy

  • Platform: iOS and Android

  • Overview: Developed by the Australian Government, My QuitBuddy supports users at every stage of their quitting journey, whether they're preparing to quit, actively quitting, or maintaining abstinence.

  • Key Features:

    • Personalized quit plans with options to 'Quit Now', 'Quit Later', or 'Continue Quitting'.

    • Progress tracking, including time smoke/vape-free and money saved.

    • Craving management tools and daily motivational tips.

    • Ability to nominate support contacts for encouragement during challenging times.

    • Community support through shared messages and experiences.

  • Additional Info: The app has been updated to include support for quitting vaping, with ongoing enhancements planned to improve user experience.​

Quit Vaping

  • Platform: iOS

  • Overview: Quit Vaping is tailored specifically for individuals aiming to quit e-cigarettes and vaping products.

  • Key Features:

    • Customizable quit plans with options to set future quit dates.

    • Tracking tools for nicotine consumption, cravings, and triggers.

    • Health benefit timelines and financial savings calculators.

    • Community forum and buddy system for peer support.

    • Daily check-ins, guided meditations, and motivational journaling.

  • Additional Info: The app emphasizes community engagement, allowing users to share progress and support each other throughout their quitting journey. 

quitSTART

  • Platform: iOS and Android

  • Overview: Developed by Smokefree.gov, quitSTART is designed to help teens and young adults quit smoking and vaping by providing tailored support based on individual smoking histories.

  • Key Features:

    • Personalized tips, challenges, and motivational messages.

    • Progress tracking with badges for milestones achieved.

    • Craving management tools, including games and distractions.

    • Mood tracking and support for managing negative emotions.

    • Social sharing features to celebrate successes and encourage others.

  • Additional Info: The app is a product of the National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ensuring evidence-based support for users.

Best Web Resources

1.  This is Quitting – Truth Initiative

  • What it is: A free text-based quit program built just for teens and young adults.

  • Why it's great: Sends daily supportive messages, quit tips, and real stories from others your age.

  • How to join: Text DITCHVAPE to 88709.

  • Best for: Teens looking for relatable, non-judgmental support.

2. Teen.Smokefree.gov

  • What it is: A government site full of tools and support created just for teens.

  • Why it's great: Covers vaping, nicotine addiction, stress, peer pressure, and offers:

    • Quit planning tools

    • Craving management tips

    • Stories from other teens

  • Best for: Teens who want to understand why vaping is harmful and how to take action.

3. My Life, My Quit

  • What it is: A free and confidential quit program just for teens aged 13–17.

  • Why it's great: Offers live text or phone coaching, personalized quit plans, and no judgment.

  • How to join: Text Start My Quit to 36072 or call 1-855-891-9989.

  • Best for: Teens who want to talk one-on-one with someone trained to help.

4. The Real Cost – FDA Youth Tobacco Prevention

  • What it is: A government-backed campaign targeting youth tobacco and vaping use.

  • Why it's great: Provides facts about how nicotine affects your brain, body, and future—using engaging videos and interactive content.

  • Best for: Teens looking for solid, science-backed info in a bold, visual format.

5. BecomeAnEX – Truth Initiative

  • What it is: An online quit program from the Truth Initiative, with a special track for vaping.

  • Why it's great: Offers interactive tools, quit planning, community forums, and expert tips.

  • Best for: Older teens or young adults who want a step-by-step, structured plan.

For more help and information on quitting smoking:

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