Vape Ban In Massachusetts
On September 24th, 2019, Governor Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency in the Commonwealth due to severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products and the epidemic of e-cigarette use among youth. The Commissioner of Public Health in Massachusetts has temporarily prohibited the sale and display of all vaping products and e-cigarettes until further notice.
Read the press release here.
Giving Up Nicotine
At the Hudson Health Department, we understand this news can be distressing for individuals who vape nicotine, especially those who started vaping as a means of quitting smoking. We hope that this webpage can serve as a resource for individuals who may struggle with their nicotine usage. Below, you can find some resources that may help you.
Signs of Withdrawal
You, or someone you know, may experience the affects of nicotine withdrawal without access to vape products containing nicotine. If you notice these affects, know that they can be a normal but still difficult part of the process, and that there are resources available for you to help you manage them (see next section).
Feeling irritable, restless, or jittery
Having headaches
Increased sweating
Feeling sad or down
Feeling anxious
Feeling tired or groggy
Having trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
Having trouble sleeping
Feeling hungry
Having intense cravings for e-cigarettes/tobacco
Many of these symptoms are also present during Marijuana/THC withdrawal.
For more information about withdrawal symptoms, visit https://smokefree.gov/challenges-when-quitting/withdrawal/managing-withdrawal
Resources
Below are some resources available to you if you are interested in quitting nicotine products altogether:
Below are some resources available to you if you are interested in quitting nicotine products altogether.
For Youth
Services exist within the Commonwealth specifically designed to help young people overcome a nicotine addiction.
This is Quitting -
A program through the Truth Initiative, the organization widely responsible for reducing teen cigarette usage in the mid-2000s. The program is delivered through text, and unlike some of the other text-based options, was specifically designed to help teens quit e-cigarettes and used input from teens and college students in its design.
This service provides 24-7 support, as well as automated messages. Teens can begin getting support by texting “DITCHJUUL” to 887-09
Young Massachusetts residents can also text “VapeFreeMass” to 887-09.
Caring adults who are looking to help young people in their lives to quit can text “QUIT” to (202) 899-7550
https://www.thetruth.com/articles/hot-topic/quit-vaping
quitSTART -
A program through the National Institute for Health (NIH). Teens can download an app and access the information and resources as needed. This app provides badges and achievements for success on the path to quitting, which tends to be helpful in the effort to quit. More information can be found here: https://teen.smokefree.gov/become-smokefree/quitstart-app
SmokefreeTXT -
Another program through NIH and the Department of Health and Human Services, a young person may complete the form in the link below to sign up for 6-8 weeks of texts alerts to support their efforts to quit. Participants can expect to receive 3-5 messages per day encouraging them to quit.
You can either visit this link or text "“QUIT” to 47848. The service is also available in Spanish. The online form is set up for traditional cigarettes.
https://teen.smokefree.gov/become-smokefree/smokefreeteen-signup
My Life, My Quit -
Youth coach specialists trained to help young people by phone or text. Young people can call or text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989 for free and confidential help, or visit www.mylifemyquit.com to sign up online.
For Adults and Youth
BecomeAnEx
Developed by the Mayo Clinic in collaboration with the Truth Initiative, this resource can help you to create a quit plan, connect with with regular messages of support to quit vaping or traditional cigarettes, and can also connect you to a community of other folks who are trying to quit. The resources that BecomeanEX provides are available online and are free. There are premium services that can be offered for a fee, but if you talk to your doctor, it is possible they could provide you with a referral and insurance can cover the cost of premium services.
Make Smoking History (Massachusetts Quit Line)
Developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Participants may enroll either over the phone or online. Members are offered access to a coach, planning materials, and a community of other folks trying to quit. In addition, members are also provided access to nicotine replacement therapies, like gum or patches (at least 4 weeks of patches can be available) This, of course, depends on many different factors that will be determined in some of your initial contact with the service. More information can be found at the website or phone number below:
Phone: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Website: https://ma.quitlogix.org/en-US/
Did you know that you are three times as likely to quit for good with the combination of FDA approved quit smoking medication (sometimes known as NRT or Nicotine Replacement Therapy) and counseling? The nicotine patch, gum, or lozenges are available over the counter without a prescription. Prescription medications include Chantix, Zyban, inhaler, and spray.
Additional smoking cessation resources can be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/quit-tobacco-or-support-someone-in-their-quit-attempt
Additionally, you can always check with your primary care provider for more information and for local cessation counseling services in your area.