Vaping Awareness Month Highlights Nicotine Addiction

Vaping Awareness Month Raises Concerns About Addiction

March is officially Vaping Awareness Month, and the rise in popularity of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, has caused concern for New York State Quitline. Program staff say younger consumers in the New York City area are disproportionately using vapes.

Health Risks and Addiction Linked to Vaping

When vapes and similar e-cigarettes first rose to popularity, promoters advertised them as healthier alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes. However, electronic cigarettes carry many of the same risks as traditional cigarettes, along with several risks unique to vaping.

Nicotine is highly addictive, and most vape products contain chemicals that can damage lung and brain tissue. NYS Quitline reports that many younger users experience additional issues, including breathing difficulties, symptoms of depression and impulsive behavior.

This led Quitline to expand their services and offer nicotine replacement treatment to vapers who developed nicotine dependencies.

They also pioneered a unique texting-based program for younger people to develop the skills needed to quit vaping over a period of six weeks.

Quitline Program Helps New Yorkers Quit Vaping

Vaping Awareness Month also highlights individuals who successfully quit vaping with the help of the New York State Quitline. In January 2026, Quitline celebrated Julia B. and Diara S., two young Manhattanites who broke their vaping habits with Quitline’s free services.

Both Julia and Diara vaped in an attempt to stop smoking cigarettes, but doing so affected their mental well-being. For Julia, she had increasing difficulty trying to do anything to stay physically active.

Diara reached a point where she couldn’t even imagine a future without vaping. However, thanks to Quitline’s text-based coaching and nicotine replacement therapy, both are now happier and healthier than they’ve been in more than a decade.

New York State Quitline’s services are available to anyone looking to break free from tobacco. Access these services through their website, by phone (1-866-NY-QUITS or 1-866-697-8487) or by texting QUITNOW to 333888. 

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