Youth Struggle to Quit Vaping, Calls for Better Support Grow

The ongoing challenge of youth vaping was a central topic at the recent 18th annual Ottawa Conference on Smoking Cessation, where psychiatrist Tea Rosic highlighted the barriers young people face when trying to quit. Many adolescents are motivated to stop vaping, yet they encounter significant obstacles in accessing effective support.

Rosic, who works at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), expressed concern that vaping continues to harm her young patients. “They are not able to make it through a class at school. It is the first thing they think about in the morning,” she said, emphasizing that many youths are “stuck” in a cycle of dependence.

Although the number of adolescents taking up vaping has plateaued in Canada, Rosic insisted that the issue remains critical. According to her, about 15 percent of students in grades 7 to 12 report actively vaping. The situation is even more alarming in higher grades, with 27 percent of Grade 12 students admitting to using vaping products. Among those facing mental health challenges, more than 20 percent are regular vapers, and many are consuming products with much higher nicotine levels than traditional cigarettes.

Rosic noted the lack of progress in providing adequate support for those wanting to quit. “It continues to be a significant problem for our young people without, in my opinion, much evidence of moving the needle on providing support and treatment,” she stated. Many young individuals have become “functionally impaired” due to their addiction, often beginning vaping as a means to cope but finding themselves unable to stop.

Access to nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum, poses a substantial barrier. These treatments are often financially inaccessible for youth, as they are generally not covered by provincial or private insurance plans. While some programs offer free access, options for those under 18 remain limited. Rosic explained, “It is one of the biggest clinical challenges. I can prescribe nicotine replacement therapy, but it is not covered, and we are constantly looking for programs where we can refer young people.”

The situation is so dire that some patients have suggested switching to traditional cigarettes as a method to quit vaping, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions. Rosic called for comprehensive screening and assessment of vaping habits among youth, advocating for its incorporation into regular health care practices.

The Canadian Pediatric Society has also raised alarms regarding the health risks associated with vaping. The organization recommends both screening and treatment options, including behavioral and pharmaceutical therapies to assist young individuals in quitting. In a statement from 2021, the society noted the significant risks vaping poses to children and adolescents, urging care providers to take action.

The conference featured a patient panel where individuals shared their personal experiences with vaping cessation, shedding light on the challenges they faced. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute has developed the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation, an evidence-based program designed to systematically identify and treat patients who smoke. This model has shown promise in achieving high long-term quit rates and is now being implemented in various health centers, particularly in Canada’s North, where smoking rates are notably higher than the national average.

Dr. Hassan Mir, a cardiologist at the Ottawa Heart Institute and program chair of the Ottawa Model, emphasized the importance of addressing youth vaping at the conference. “Not only is there an uptick in usage of these products, but there is also an uptick in the number of people reaching out for help,” he remarked. While it is encouraging that young people are seeking medical assistance, he acknowledged the troubling reality that many are becoming overly reliant on vaping devices.

The conference underscored the urgent need for a coordinated response to the youth vaping crisis, as well as the importance of providing accessible support systems for those wishing to quit. As awareness grows, so does the call for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the health and well-being of young people navigating this pressing issue.