Student Health Services at Moffitt Health Center
Vaping/Tobacco Cessation
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Mississippi State Department of Health Resources for Quitting Smoking & Vaping
Tobacco Quitline
- Free telephone and online coaching available to anyone ready to quit.
Call 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to talk directly with experts鈥攐r sign up for a personalized quit plan and professional counselor support.
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- If you're 18 or older, the may connect you to free nicotine gum or patches based on eligibility.
Help Quitting Vaping via Text
- Youth and young adults can enroll in 鈥淭his is Quitting鈥�, a free, anonymous, teen-focused texting program.
- Just text VAPEFREEMS to 88709鈥攜ou鈥檒l get real peer support, encouragement, and guidance from others who have quit.
Why Quit? Health & Well-Being Concerns
Unique Challenges of Quitting Vaping
Vapes can deliver high doses of nicotine faster than cigarettes, increasing addiction risk.
Young people often underestimate how hard quitting can be. Peer influence and stress can make relapse more likely.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
Common effects when quitting smoking (and often similar when quitting vaping): Cravings,
irritability, restlessness, headaches, insomnia, trouble concentrating, increased
appetite or hunger, fatigue, cough or nasal drip.
Timeline:
Most intense during first 3鈥�5 days.
Cravings can persist for 3鈥�8 weeks.
Other symptoms generally ease within 1鈥�2 weeks (some linger a few weeks)
Mental & Emotional Effects
You may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depressed feelings temporarily after quitting.
Over time, many people report lower stress, reduced anxiety/depression, and a stronger sense of control.
Health Risks of Vaping
E-cigarette aerosols can contain harmful 蝉耻产蝉迟补苍肠别蝉鈥攍颈办别 formaldehyde, acrolein, heavy metals, and flavoring chemicals linked to lung damage and even veering toward carcinogenic exposure.
Vaping is associated with increased respiratory problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis) and cardiovascular issues鈥攅ven
more so when combined with smoking. Overall, quitting helps reduce inflammation, improve lung and blood vessel health, and lower long-term disease risks.
Tailoring to College Students
College life brings unique stressors and social environments鈥攕o here鈥檚 how to make quitting more manageable:
Lean on peer support: Join campus groups, friends, or text-based programs like This Is Quitting.
Set a quit date and use free counseling: Call the for a structured plan and nicotine aids.
Prepare for cravings: Have healthy snacks, hydrating drinks, or chewable substitutes ready. Flavored toothpicks,
strong flavored gum and mints have helped others quit.
Manage stress positively: Try mindfulness, physical activity, creative hobbies, or talk it out with friends.
Use campus wellness services: Many colleges offer free counseling or quit-support groups鈥攋ust ask!
Celebrate milestones: Reward yourself when you're 1 week, 1 month, 3 months tobacco-free.
Quick Recap of Key Links & Info
Quitline: Call 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or register online for free coaching and possible NRT.
Text Program: Text VAPEFREEMS to 88709 for anonymously receiving motivational, youth-focused messages.
Know the side effects: Expect both physical and emotional withdrawal, but health benefits start adding up once you quit.