VAPING AWARENESS MONTH SPOTLIGHTS ADDICTION TO ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
New York State Quitline offers a variety of free resources to overcome vaping; including confidential DropTheVape texting program
BUFFALO, N.Y. – To highlight Vaping Aware ness Month in March, the New York State Quitline (NYS Quitline) reminds all state residents that its free and confidential ser vices support overcoming addiction to a variety of tobacco* products. This includes electronic cigarettes, often referred to as vapes or vape products.
Most vape products contain toxic chemicals that can lead to a variety of harms, including damage to the brain and lungs. High concentrations of nicotine can lead to addiction, especially among youth and young adults. NYS Quitline participants often cite difficulty breathing, lack of focus and impulse control, and feelings of depression among the negative side-effects they encounter when vaping.
Fortunately, the NYS Quitline has continued to evolve and broaden its services to support those seeking to overcome addiction to vaping. In 2019, it became one of the first state quitlines in the nation to provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications for those reporting vape use. In addition, the NYS Quitline in 2025 launched DropTheVape, a free and confidential six-week texting program geared toward youth and young adults. The program, available at www.DropTheVape.org, provides skill-building tools for successful quitting.
In its annual roundup of “Success Stories” throughout the state this past January, the NYS Quitline celebrated two young women in Manhattan who each overcame vaping addiction. With the NYS Quitline’s free resources, Diara S. (pronounced JAR-arr-uh, pictured at left) and Julia B. (pictured right) received coaching and NRT in the form of patches and lozenges. Both switched from cigarettes to vapes in their early 20’s, only to find themselves addicted to a different type of product.
“The Quit Coach helped me visualize my life without vapes,” recalled Diara. “I really appreciated the follow up calls. The support helped me stay focused on the journey.”
“Vaping made it hard to do physical activity for a long period of time – my breathing hurt during long runs,” said Julia. “Now I feel so much better mentally and physically. It’s a different world.”
Anyone seeking assistance to become tobacco-free may con tact the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can reach a specialist through an online chat or request a call-back by visiting nysmokefree. com. Adults 18 years or older can also order free NRT medications online. The NYS Quitline additionally offers free text-support programs by visiting www.DropTheVape.org and by texting QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.
The month of March – Vaping Awareness Month – is an opportune time for anyone addicted to vape products to make a quit-attempt. The NYS Quitline encourages everyone to try the new DropTheVape texting program and to connect with a Quit Coach through phone or online for additional support. At a minimum, practice fewer puffs little by little until feeling fully ready to quit. Improved health, money savings and renewed freedom are just three of numerous benefits to tobacco-free living. The NYS Quitline is ready to help.
* The term tobacco throughout this press release refers to the use of manufactured, combustible commercial products and vape products – not the sacred, medicinal and traditional use of tobacco by Native American nations and other Indigenous groups.