The HSE (Health Service Executive) is working on a new service to help people quit vaping as its popularity, especially among young people, is a growing concern. The existing QUIT service, while primarily focused on smoking cessation, doesn't specifically cater to vaping. The HSE is developing a pathway within its new Quit App for vapers seeking to quit, following the same principles of behavioral support as its smoking cessation program.
Efforts are underway within the HSE ( Health Service Executive) to launch a dedicated service to assist individuals in quitting vaping as the prevalence of e-cigarette usage continues to rise. Currently, the QUIT service, while primarily focused on smoking cessation support, does not specifically address vaping. The application questionnaire for the service does not include any vaping-related terminology and asks about daily cigarette consumption.
Although the HSE emphasizes that it doesn't offer a distinct stop-vaping service, staff members, when capacity allows, can provide behavioral support to e-cigarette users aiming to become nicotine-free. A spokesperson for the Irish Mirror revealed that work is progressing within the new HSE Quit App to potentially create a pathway for vapers seeking to quit. They explained that this is in its nascent stages of development and will likely follow similar principles of behavioral support, advice, and motivation as the existing stop-smoking program.The QUIT service currently aids cigarette smokers through motivational text messages, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), and phone-based support. Preliminary statistics for 2024 indicate the highest number of individuals utilizing the service ever recorded, nearly doubling since 2022. Last year, 20,384 people received intensive cessation support, while an additional 8,651 individuals applied for a QUIT plan. This represents a significant increase compared to approximately 18,000 service users in 2022. While more people seek assistance to quit smoking cigarettes, the rising trend in vaping, particularly among younger demographics, remains a major concern. Research conducted by Foroige Sligo in 2023 revealed that more than a third of young people aged 13 to 16 vape and have never smoked cigarettes before starting.Originally marketed as a smoking cessation tool for cigarette smokers, electronic cigarettes, with various enticing flavors such as pineapple and blue raspberry, have become increasingly appealing to children. While the sale of vapes to individuals under 18 has recently been outlawed, another nicotine product, nicotine pouches, has gained popularity among teenagers, as they fall outside existing regulations regarding tobacco or vapes. These pouches lack an age restriction – although manufacturers assert they are not suitable for individuals under 18. The pouches are placed under the user's lip to deliver a nicotine hit. A tin costs approximately €5 and comes in different flavors. A 6mg pouch would be equivalent to the nicotine content of one cigarette. Director of the National Association of Principals, Paul Crone, stated: “It was very clear when students were smoking, it became clear when they were vaping. It’s impossible to know when a student has a very small pouch tucked between their gum and their lip.
Vaping Quitting HSE Health Service Executive Nicotine E-Cigarettes Young People Nicotine Pouches Smoking Cessation QUIT Service
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