In celebration of “Vaping Awareness Month” in March, the New York State Quitline (NYS Quitline) reminds all state residents that its free, confidential services support overcoming addiction to various tobacco products.
this includes electronic cigarettes, often known as vapes or vaping products.
Most vaping products contain toxic chemicals that can cause various harms, such as brain and lung damage. High concentrations of nicotine can cause addiction, especially in youth and young adults.
NYS Quitline participants often cite shortness of breath, lack of concentration and impulse control, and depression among the negative side effects they experience from vaping.
Fortunately, this New York State Quitline has continued to evolve and expand its services to support those seeking to overcome vaping addiction.
In 2019, it became one of the first state lines in the country to offer nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to those who reported using vaping. Additionally, in 2025, NYS Quitline launched “DropTheVape,” a free and confidential six-week program aimed at youth and young adults. The program, available atwww.DropTheVape.org
offers tools to develop skills to successfully quit smoking.
Overcoming vaping
In its annual roundup of “Success Stories” from across New York State this January, NYS Quitline honored two Manhattan youth who overcame vaping addiction.
Thanks to free resources from the New York State Quitline, Diara S. and Julia B. (pictured) received counseling and NRT in the form of patches and pills. They both switched from cigarettes to vapes in their early twenties, only to discover that they had become addicted to a different type of product.
“The Quit Coach helped me visualize my life without vapes,” Diara recalled. «I very much appreciated the follow-up calls. The support helped me stay focused on the path.”
«Vaping made it difficult for me to be physically active for a long period; “My breathing hurt when I ran long distances,” Julia said. «Now I feel much better mentally and physically. “It’s a different world.”
There is help to quit smoking
– Anyone seeking help to quit smoking can contact the New York State Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). – They can contact a specialist through online chat or request a call back by visitingnysmokefree.com
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– Adults over 18 years of age can also order free NRT medications online. – The NYS Quitline also offers free text message support programs. Visit www.DropTheVape.org
and text QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.
Benefits of a life without tobacco
This March, “Vaping Awareness Month,” is an opportune time for anyone addicted to vaping products to try to quit smoking.
The NYS Quitline encourages everyone to try the new DropTheVape texting program and contact a Quit Coach by phone or online for additional support.
At the very least, practice taking fewer puffs little by little until you feel completely ready to quit. Better health, saving money and renewed freedom are just three of the many benefits of a tobacco-free life. NYS Quitline is ready to help. * The term “tobacco”
In this report it refers to the use of commercial manufactured products, fuels and vaping products, not the sacred, medicinal and traditional use of tobacco by Native American nations and other indigenous groups.
