In a major public health move from Australia, recreational vaping will be banned

Australia is known as a country with some of the toughest anti-smoking laws (with great success) and now the government is turning its attention to vaping.

Often hailed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking, vaping involves heating a liquid that typically contains nicotine so it becomes a vapour that you inhale. As it doesn’t contain tobacco, many believe it is a safer alternative, but in reality, it often replaces one addiction with another. We also know frighteningly little about the long-term effects of vaping, including how the chemicals inhaled can affect us.

Young people in Australia have been turning to vaping as a recreational product, sometimes without ever having smoked cigarettes.

In a speech delivered by Health Minister Mark Butler, he explained that the products are creating a new generation of nicotine addicts.

“Just like they did with smoking... 'Big Tobacco' has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added sweet flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts. We have been duped.”

Often sold alongside chocolate and sweets, Mr Butler highlighted how vapes are targeted at young people and that they have become the “number one behavioural issue” in schools.

The proposed reform will include the following:

  • a ban on all disposable vapes
  • prescriptions required for legal vaping products
  • restrictions on flavours, colours, nicotine concentrations and other ingredients

Australia isn’t alone in its stance, with other countries like Singapore and Thailand also banning vaping. Some believe more countries should follow suit, while others worry it may drive people to unregulated and illegal markets.

What to do if you want to quit vaping

The advice to quit vaping is often similar to the advice offered to quit smoking. This can include creating a support system around you, finding healthier ways to manage stress and using distraction techniques when cravings come on.

A tool many have used to quit smoking, and one people are now turning to stop vaping, is hypnotherapy. Addictions, habits and behaviours can be difficult to change through willpower alone. This is often because our subconscious is involved – for example, when it comes to vaping, have you ever reached for your vape without even realising you're doing it? Turning to your vape in certain situations is subconscious behaviour.

The aim of hypnotherapy is to help break this pattern.

“For those who want to stop vaping, hypnosis works by planting strong suggestions in the mind that help a person to alter their behaviour in a safe, natural way,” explains hypnotherapist Biodun Ogunyemi.

“While the suggestions may vary to a certain degree, their effect is mostly the same. It is to turn the experience of vaping into something that they want to avoid.

“The suggestions may range from altering the taste or perception of the vaping process itself. By replacing anticipation with hesitation, it allows the mind to consider alternatives and not fall into the same habits that led to vaping.”

With some countries taking radical steps to stop vaping, now may be a great time to consider quitting and what freedom from addiction may look like for you. If you’re curious about hypnotherapy you can use Hypnotherapy Directory to search for a hypnotherapist and learn more.