What to do when a vaping craving hits
A craving feels permanent while it lasts, but cravings tend to rise and pass. Having a plan ready before one hits makes it easier to ride out.
Things people try in the moment
- Slow breathing for about a minute and a half.
- A grounding exercise such as naming five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell and one you taste.
- A short distraction, such as a small puzzle.
- Changing the setting or routine that usually goes with vaping, like coffee or a break.
- Texting someone you trust.
Know your triggers
Write down when cravings usually appear, such as after meals, while driving, under stress or at work breaks, and plan a swap for each.
Get support
This is general information, not medical advice. In the United States you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free quitline support, and a clinician can discuss options with you.
How CraveBreaker approaches it
CraveBreaker: Quit Vaping is a free iPhone app from Honest Little Apps. Everything below comes from its App Store description.
- Tap "I have a craving" and start something useful within seconds, with no account, no paywall and no questionnaire.
- Tools include a 90-second reset with slow breathing and a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, a Pattern Break puzzle, a craving timer of 1, 3, 5 minutes or your own, and your own written reasons.
- It also offers routine swaps for coffee, driving, stress and work breaks, seated movement options, and a way to text someone you trust or find free quitline support.
- You can build a personal quit plan in about two minutes. The description says every craving tool is free, always, and the app is private and offline.
See CraveBreaker on the App Store Read the full CraveBreaker page
Questions
How do I deal with a vape craving?
Try slow breathing, a grounding exercise, a short distraction, a change of scene, or contacting someone you trust. In the US, 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers free support.
Is there a free app to help quit vaping?
CraveBreaker: Quit Vaping is listed free on the App Store; its description says every craving tool is free.
Is CraveBreaker medical advice?
No. It is a self-help tool. Talk to a clinician about treatment options.
