Youth Cessation
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
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Experimentation
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Regular Use
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Problem or Risky Use
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Dependence
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Addiction
Signs of Addiction
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Do you continue to vape even though you want to quit?
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Do you feel anxious or irritable when you want to use your vape but can’t?
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Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when you are focused on other activities?
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Do you still vape after getting in trouble with your parents or school for vaping?
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Have you ever tried to quit vaping but couldn’t?
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Do you feel like you have lost control over your vaping?
Best Texting Services to Help Quit!
SmokefreeTXT for Teens
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What it is: A free text messaging program designed for teens aged 13–17 in the U.S. who want to quit smoking.
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How it works: Sign up by texting QUIT to 47848. You'll receive daily supportive messages for 6–8 weeks.
SmokefreeTXT
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What it is: A free text messaging service for individuals aged 13 and older aiming to quit smoking.
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How it works: Text QUIT to 47848 to enroll and receive daily tips and encouragement.
DipfreeTXT
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What it is: A free text-based program for young adults in the U.S. looking to quit smokeless tobacco (dip).
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How it works: Text SPIT to 222888 to start receiving daily support messages for 6–8 weeks.
SmokefreeTXT en Español
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What it is: The Spanish-language version of SmokefreeTXT, offering support to Spanish-speaking individuals.
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How it works: Text LIBRE to 47848 to enroll and receive daily messages in Spanish.
Outsmart Nicotine (EX Program)
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What it is: A free digital cessation program developed by Truth Initiative and the Mayo Clinic, targeting young adults aged 18–24.
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How it works: Join by texting EXPROGRAM to 88709 to access tools and support for quitting nicotine.
My Life, My Quit
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What it is: A free and confidential service for teens aged 13–17 seeking to quit vaping or using tobacco.
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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
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Platform: iOS and Android
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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.
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Key Features:
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Personalized quit plans with options to 'Quit Now', 'Quit Later', or 'Continue Quitting'.
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Progress tracking, including time smoke/vape-free and money saved.
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Craving management tools and daily motivational tips.
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Ability to nominate support contacts for encouragement during challenging times.
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Community support through shared messages and experiences.
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Additional Info: The app has been updated to include support for quitting vaping, with ongoing enhancements planned to improve user experience.
Quit Vaping
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Platform: iOS
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Overview: Quit Vaping is tailored specifically for individuals aiming to quit e-cigarettes and vaping products.
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Key Features:
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Customizable quit plans with options to set future quit dates.
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Tracking tools for nicotine consumption, cravings, and triggers.
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Health benefit timelines and financial savings calculators.
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Community forum and buddy system for peer support.
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Daily check-ins, guided meditations, and motivational journaling.
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Additional Info: The app emphasizes community engagement, allowing users to share progress and support each other throughout their quitting journey.
quitSTART
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Platform: iOS and Android
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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.
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Key Features:
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Personalized tips, challenges, and motivational messages.
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Progress tracking with badges for milestones achieved.
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Craving management tools, including games and distractions.
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Mood tracking and support for managing negative emotions.
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Social sharing features to celebrate successes and encourage others.
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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
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What it is: A free text-based quit program built just for teens and young adults.
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Why it's great: Sends daily supportive messages, quit tips, and real stories from others your age.
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How to join: Text DITCHVAPE to 88709.
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Best for: Teens looking for relatable, non-judgmental support.
2. Teen.Smokefree.gov
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What it is: A government site full of tools and support created just for teens.
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Why it's great: Covers vaping, nicotine addiction, stress, peer pressure, and offers:
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Quit planning tools
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Craving management tips
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Stories from other teens
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Best for: Teens who want to understand why vaping is harmful and how to take action.
3. My Life, My Quit
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What it is: A free and confidential quit program just for teens aged 13–17.
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Why it's great: Offers live text or phone coaching, personalized quit plans, and no judgment.
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How to join: Text Start My Quit to 36072 or call 1-855-891-9989.
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Best for: Teens who want to talk one-on-one with someone trained to help.
4. The Real Cost – FDA Youth Tobacco Prevention
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What it is: A government-backed campaign targeting youth tobacco and vaping use.
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Why it's great: Provides facts about how nicotine affects your brain, body, and future—using engaging videos and interactive content.
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Best for: Teens looking for solid, science-backed info in a bold, visual format.
5. BecomeAnEX – Truth Initiative
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What it is: An online quit program from the Truth Initiative, with a special track for vaping.
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Why it's great: Offers interactive tools, quit planning, community forums, and expert tips.
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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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New Year, New Possibilities: Start Living a Smokefree Life Today! (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Smokefree.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
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How to Quit Smoking (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Quitting is a process (National Cancer Institute)
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What It's Like to Quit Smoking (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
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Helping Teens Quit (American Lung Association)
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Quitting While Pregnant (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)