How to survive holiday triggers and nail your New Year’s quitting goals

If you’re part of the 67% of Gen Z (ages 18-24) who currently use nicotine and are considering quitting in the new year, you may be panicking right now. Between gift hunting, dealing with your extended family, and all the other chaos that usually erupts this time of year, you might even find yourself wanting to vape more than usual. All the more reason to stay on track with quitting, even with your hallways fully equipped.

Many users of electronic cigarettes, vapes or pouches may resort to nicotine to cope with stress, anxiety and depression. But according to the nonprofit public health organization Truth Initiativenicotine can actually make your symptoms worse. That’s right, worse.

Results from a meta-analysis of 26 studies showed that quitting nicotine is associated with lower stress levels, as well as improved mood, something we could all use more of this time of year. A Truth Initiative survey also showed that 90% of vapers who quit reported feeling worse. anxious and depressed.

But surviving the holidays and sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is difficult, especially when vapes are designed to keep you consuming them. Truth Initiative research shows that between 2017 and 2022, the nicotine strength of disposable e-cigarettes almost tripled – making them more potent – ​​and that they contain more puffs per device and are cheaper. More than 75% of teens who vape use their device within 30 minutes of waking up, a key sign of growing nicotine addiction.

The good news is that you won’t have to worry this year. While only three to five percent of people quit smoking for more than six months using the “cold turkey” approach, advice and medication can more than triple your chances of quitting for good.

Plus, Truth Initiative offers free, proven resources to help you keep your quit smoking resolutions on track. EX program, featured in their national campaign, Outwitting Nicotineoffers a solution with digital tools and expert and peer support to help you quit vaping for good.

Benefit from a free digital support network

EX Program is a comprehensive digital resource developed by Truth Initiative with experts from the Mayo Clinic. This is not a one-size-fits-all generic quit smoking program, it is designed to address the unique challenges faced by Generation Z. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine has shown that using the EX program can increase your chances of quitting nicotine by up to 40 percent. As a bonus, if you are considering quitting cannabis, a new study has shown that the EX program can also help you in this area.

Sign up and you’ll get a tailored quit plan and a suite of digital tools you can access 24/7. In addition to receiving expert advice and strategies to help you quit smoking, you’ll also get interactive texts from cessation experts and others who have been through the process and know what it looks like. Whether you get involved – or just hide and learn – the EX program is an anonymous, safe space that supports you. And it’s free.

Change your old models

To quit for good, you’ll need to break a physical addiction, which is no easy task. Fortunately, EX Program Daily texts and expert resources can help you identify your personal triggers, cope with cravings, and replace old routines with healthier ones. All you have to do to get started is send a text DITCH at 88709.

Take exerciseFor example. Something as simple as doing a few jumping jacks every morning or taking your puppy for a walk can do wonders for your head — and increase endorphins and dopamine. Playing games can also be a fun distraction. Whenever you feel triggered, you can do this something fun to help crush nicotine cravings. Go ahead, put on your headphones and get moving.

If you thought the holidays weren’t the right time to kick nicotine, they might actually be one of the best times ever. Anyway, remember that Truth Initiative offers many proven digital tools designed to help you quit smoking – and stay quit.