Vaping
Advice and support on vaping and nicotine, the risks and how to stop.
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Vapes are electronic devices designed to allow people to inhale nicotine in a vapour. Using a vape is known as vaping.
Vapes are also available without nicotine.
In the UK, it is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to someone under the age of 18 years, or for adults to buy these products for them.
Vaping to stop smoking
Nicotine vaping is recommended by the NHS as a way for adults to stop smoking. But it isn’t recommended for non-smokers, especially children and young people under 18.
Find more information about vaping to quit smoking on the NHS Better Health website.
Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Side effects of vaping
Some of the side effects of vaping include:
- coughing
- dry mouth and throat
- shortness of breath
- mouth and throat irritation
- headaches
Visit the Smokefree Sheffield website for facts about vaping, shisha and help to stop.
Some common risks of vaping and nicotine:
- hard to stop using once you’ve started as nicotine is addictive
- makes the heart beat much faster
- can make you feel nauseous or sick the first time you use it
- nicotine is a toxin and poisoning can happen if larger doses are taken
Nicotine may be riskier for young people than for adults as evidence shows that the brain is more sensitive to its effects. Find out more about nicotine on the FRANK website.
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There's a free local Stop Smoking Service near you.
Addiction
Giving up nicotine can be difficult because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- cravings
- irritability
- anxiety
- trouble concentrating
- headaches
- other mental and physical symptoms