Vaping: what it is, how it can affect you and getting support 

Understanding how vaping works, the risks involved, and where to get support can help you make informed choices. 

Quick answers about vaping

• Vapes usually contain nicotine, which is addictive 
• Vaping can affect your lungs, focus and energy 
• It’s easy to get into the habit without realising 
• Not all vapes contain the same ingredients 
• You can get support if you want to cut down or stop 

What is vaping? 

Vaping is when you inhale vapour from an electronic device, often called a vape or e‑cigarette. 

The vapour usually contains: 

• Nicotine (the addictive part) 
• Flavourings 
• Other chemicals 

Some vapes don’t contain nicotine, but many do, even if it’s not always clear on the label. 

Is vaping bad for you? 

Vaping is often talked about as safer than smoking, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk‑free. 

It can: 

• Affect your lungs 
• Make it harder to focus 
• Impact your energy levels 
• Lead to nicotine addiction 

Because products vary, it’s not always clear what you’re inhaling.

How can vaping affect you? 

Vaping can affect people in different ways. 

Some people may feel: 

• More relaxed at first 
• A short‑term buzz from nicotine 

But vaping can also cause: 

• Addiction: Nicotine can make your body rely on vaping, making it hard to stop. 
• Shortness of breath or coughing: Vaping can irritate your lungs and airways. 
• Difficulty concentrating: Nicotine can affect your focus, especially when you don’t have it. 
• Restlessness or irritability: These can happen when nicotine levels drop. 

Different vapes can have different strengths, so effects aren’t always predictable. onger than expected.

Why do people vape? 

People vape for different reasons, including: 

• Trying it out of curiosity 
• Wanting to fit in with friends 
• Managing stress or anxiety 
• Replacing smoking 

For some people, it starts occasionally but can become a regular habit. 

When can vaping become a problem? 

You might want to take a step back if: 

• You feel like you need to vape regularly 
• You find it hard to go without it 
• You feel anxious or irritated when you don’t vape 
• You’re spending more money on it than planned 
• It’s affecting school, sleep or focus 

These are signs that support could help. 

Cutting down or stopping vaping

Some people want to stop vaping completely, while others want to cut down. 

Things that can help include: 

• Not carrying your vape all the time 
• Setting small goals to reduce use 
• Finding other ways to manage stress 

Stopping can feel difficult, especially because of nicotine, but support can make it easier. 

You can also find more support on our young people’s support page. 

When should I get support? 

You might want to talk to someone if: 

• You feel stuck in a habit 
• You’ve tried to stop and struggled 
• You’re worried about how vaping is affecting you 
• You just want advice without judgement 

You don’t need to wait until things feel serious. 

How Inspire can help 

Inspire provides free, confidential support for young people in West Northamptonshire. 

We can help with: 

• Talking things through 
• Support to reduce or stop use 
• Advice tailored to your situation 

You don’t need a referral or diagnosis. 

Getting support 

There are a few simple ways to get support: 

• Self‑referral – if you want help for yourself 
• Someone referring on your behalf 
• Support through school or other services 

If you’d like to talk, we’re here to help. 

You’re not alone 

Lots of young people have questions about vaping or want to cut down. Reaching out is a positive step. 

If vaping is affecting you, Inspire is here to help.