Vaping to quit smoking
The NHS Better Health Campaign provides information and advice about vapes as an aid to quit smoking.
Tips for successfully switching to a vape
Pick the right kit - Get advice from a specialist vape shop or a local Stop Smoking Service. Finding the right device and strength of nicotine in your e-liquid may take time – so stick with it.
Use a vape as much as you need - You should use the vape as much as you need to manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Do not worry if you are vaping more than you used to smoke.
Try nicotine patches for extra support - You can use patches with a vape if you need to, as these give ongoing support by releasing nicotine slowly. You can top up with your vape to deal with immediate cravings.
Talk to others who have made the switch - Talk to people who have switched from smoking to vaping. Ask them what they wish they had known before they started and if anything in particular helped them through it.
Swap to Stop
Swap to Stop is a national scheme to help smokers quit smoking by providing free nicotine vapes through local stop smoking services.
To access Swap to Stop in Coventry and Warwickshire, visit our local stop smoking services page. You’re three time more likely to quit with the support of a stop smoking service!
Purchasing Vapes
Vapes can also be purchased from specialist vape shops, some pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retailers, or from an online vape store. However, not all vapes sold in Coventry and Warwickshire are legal and covered by UK safety and quality regulations (GOV.UK). It is important to make sure you are buying vaping products from reputable retailers.
Reporting vaping concerns
You can report the sale of illegal vapes to Warwickshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or to Coventry Trading Standards via email at tradingstandards@coventry.gov.uk.
How to dispose of vapes
Vapes, including single-use "disposables", are classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), meaning they should never be thrown away in general waste.
If vapes are put in the bin, the batteries can become damaged, causing fires in refuse vehicles or at waste management sites.
If discarded outdoors, over time they break down, releasing heavy metals and other pollutants into the environment.
You can take vapes for recycling to the shop where you buy your replacements or to your local authority household waste recycling centre.
Additional collection points are being added all the time, you can use your postcode to find your nearest vape recycling locations.
