What are the best ways to help my daughter stop vaping at 17?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It is nice of you that you are handling this with empathy. Teenage and adolescence can be tricky, and teenagers especially are a vulnerable period as parents can not keep an eye on them always, and there is a lot of peer pressure too!

It is highly appreciable that your daughter feels safe with you and is open to sharing these things with you. At this early stage, it is very unlikely to become dependent on nicotine. Focus on educating her and giving emotional support rather than being strict.

Keep your communication open and do not judge her. Ask her what makes her enjoy vaping. Educate her about how nicotine can affect her health, like generating anxiety, affecting her lungs, etc.

Generally, education and behavioural strategies are enough and very effective. Nicotine replacement therapies like gums or patches are required only when behavioural therapy does not provide results or if cravings are strong. Also, gums and patches need a prescription for those under 18. So you will need to consult a paediatrician for that.

Some behavioural strategies that you can try for your daughter are;

1. Avoiding the triggers that make her want to vape.

2. If she gets a craving, try to distract herself and do something else, like music or drinking coffee.

3. Fidget toys or stress balls

4. Try reward therapy, like if she goes a week without vaping, then reward her with something she likes.

Early-stage nicotine habit can be reversed successfully if they are supported rather than being judged. And you are already doing that. So cheers to you.

If you see mood changes or increased anxiety, or secretive behaviour, then she may need a professional counsellor.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.