The shared goal of the programs is to address vaping and nicotine use within Canberra's young people and other priority populations through a focus on healthy and supportive community settings.

The VAPE Support programs are being delivered by Cancer Council ACT. These programs have been developed as a result of 3 Healthy Canberra Grants provided by the ACT Department of Health.

The programs are being run across ACT:

• Schools,
• Community Services, and
• Sporting Organisations

The programs are all slightly different, more information on each program can be found by clicking the relevant link. 

Sports

Community Service Organisations (CSOs)

Schools Program - Coming Soon!

There is strong evidence that vaping is harmful to overall health. Vapes contain toxic chemicals which don’t belong in our bodies.

Nicotine dependence

Over time when people use nicotine, the brain develops additional nicotine receptors. These receptors eagerly await incoming nicotine. Think of nicotine as a key, and receptors as little locks. When the nicotine unlocks these receptors, a feel-good chemical called dopamine is released, perhaps giving you a little “hit” or “buzz”. This doesn’t last long. The nicotine soon fades making the receptor eager for more. Cue nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings!

EVALI

Vapes can cause respiratory disease (EVALI) among smokers and non-smokers. This is predominantly associated with THC vaping products, but can also be caused by nicotine vapes.

Nicotine poisoning (AKA nic-sick)

Nic-sick is a clever name given to nicotine poisoning to make it seem less harmful.

You get nicotine poisoning from using a quantity of nicotine which your body cannot handle. It can cause nausea, headaches, vomiting, changes to your heart rate, and other issues.

Burns and injuries

Vapes can cause burns and injuries. People experience severe burns and can die as a result.

Seizures

Vaping can lead to seizures.

Short-term adverse effects

Vapes are associated with:

• Throat irritation
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

Airborne particles

Vaping products increase the particulate matter in the air when used indoors. This means that when people vape, they breathe out an aerosol containing toxic chemicals, including nicotine. This can then be breathed in by those around them.

The effects of vaping on physical health are the focus of emerging research, the work we are doing is based on the best currently available evidence.

Vaping has been linked to depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of this, please seek help.

Vaping has also been linked to adverse effects on brain development and impacts on learning, memory, attention, and risk of addiction.

The effects of vaping on mental health are the focus of emerging research, the work we are doing is based on the best currently available evidence.

Vaping product emissions and waste contain significant quantities of toxic chemicals including nicotine. These pollute our environment.

Vapes affect the environment throughout the products’ lifecycle as they are produced, used, distributed, and disposed of.

The effects of vaping products on the environment include use of water in manufacturing, greenhouse gas emissions, land, air, and water pollution, and the production of e-waste and related contaminants.

Vapes can negatively affect a person's:

• Finances
• Rehabilitation options
• Housing
• Family and social connections
• Education

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-powered electronic devices which heat and aerosolise a liquid which is then breathed in.

This liquid is commonly referred to as an e-liquid. The chemicals inside e-liquid depends on the device, but mostly includes water, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. Most also contain flavourings and nicotine.

Personal Possession

• Until the 30^th of June 2025, personal possession of up to 45 vaping devices is permitted. This is regardless of whether the devices are lawful to be sold.
• All people should be encouraged to seek help without fear of legal repercussions.

Children <18

• As of July 2024, children (<18) need a pharmacy prescription to access vapes. Access to vapes is also dependent on state/ territory legislation.

Adults

• As of October 2024, adults (18+) can access vapes via a pharmacy without the need for a prescription. Access to vapes is also dependent on state/ territory legislation.

Therapeutic vaping products

• We have treatment options for quitting smoking which have been proven to be both safe and effective. These include medications like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). These are the recommended tools for quitting smoking, along with personal support from a counsellor such as through the Quitline.
• Therapeutic vaping products are able to be prescribed by health professionals, but this is typically reliant on a person having tried to quit through methods which are proven to be safe and effective, like NRT.

Advertising restrictions

• The advertising of vaping products is generally prohibited across Australia.
• Vape information can be shared with a patient by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist.
• The Government announced further restrictions to the advertising of vapes in 2024.

Nicotine content restrictions

• Restricted to less than or equal to 100mg/ml nicotine concentration.
• The labelled nicotine content must be accurate within a 10% margin for error.
• Nicotine is the only active ingredient.

Flavouring restrictions

• Vapes are only permitted to be flavoured mint, menthol, or tobacco.

Warning statements

• Keep out of reach of children
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Avoid contact with skin

Vapes contain toxic chemicals which are harmful to us.

• For people who don’t smoke, they can cause dependence on nicotine.
• Vaping products have the potential to damage our lungs.
• Vapes can cause burns and injuries if they explode or catch fire.
• Vaping has been linked with seizures.
• THC and nicotine vapes have been linked with respiratory disease (EVALI).
• Vapes also have immediate effects like:
  • Throat irritation
  • Coughing
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
• Vaping also affects those around you, if it is a smoke free place it is also a vape free place.
• Vaping also affects our environment.

Vape dependence might look like:

• Using it as soon as you wake up.
• Feeling stressed, anxious, or angry when you can’t find your vape.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you can not or do not use your vape. This can include:
  • Irritability / frustration / anger
  • Cravings
  • Mood changes (including low mood and anxiety)
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
  • Restlessness
  • Changes in appetite.

A note about withdrawal symptoms: these fade over time and can be improved by using nicotine replacement therapy. Speak to a GP or pharmacist for help.

We hear from young people that nicotine dependence has made them do things that they aren’t necessarily wanting to do or would not usually do. This has included things like looking through the trash for a vape, trashing their room trying to find their vape, and yelling at friends or parents.

A lot of people might feel in-control of their vaping, even while experiencing dependence on nicotine.

• A couple of questions you can ask yourself (or someone else) are:
  • Do you think that you are dependent on your vape?
  • How do you feel when you can’t find your vape OR how would you feel if you lost your vape?
  • Do you find yourself stressed, anxious, angry, or upset when you can’t vape?

You can also talk to your GP, a pharmacist, or the Quitline for more information on nicotine dependence.

Dual use refers to a person using both vapes and cigarettes at the same time.

This is becoming more common, especially for young people. This increase is likely because people who use vapes are more likely to return to OR start smoking cigarettes as well.

People who use both vapes and cigarettes are exposed to higher levels of toxic chemicals. They are also likely to consume more nicotine.

We have decades worth of research demonstrating the negative effects of smoking on health.

Wanting to quit smoking or learn more about quitting smoking? Go to quit.org.au.

Curious about the effects of smoking on your body? Check out this tool.

Nicotine has known adverse health effects on people and can negatively impact brain development in young people.

There is also no strong evidence to support the use of nicotine pouches.

CCACT recommends the use of NRT as a safe and effective cessation tool.

Check out our fact sheet here for more information.

We can all talk to someone about their vaping. And we need to start as most people who use vapes want to quit or cut down. Talking about quitting helps people in our community know that this is an option, and that the support they need is out there.

As part of the VAPE Support programs we are teaching people how to have these conversations with the people in their lives. If you are looking to be able to confidently have these conversations and know you are effectively supporting young people, you can sign up for brief intervention training with your organisation.

If your organisation is not signed up for the program currently, Quit have a conversation guide which can provide helpful pointers and tips to get you started.

How people quit anything is highly varied, and depends on a lot of different factors. What works for one person, might not work for someone else.

It is important to think about quitting as a journey. Taking the first steps of committing to quitting and even learning more about it should be celebrated.

Don't forget - quitting vapes is the key to improving our health and wellbeing. Our lungs are designed to breathe fresh air to help our minds and bodies, and by quitting we are letting our lungs do their best work.

Set up a quit vaping plan here.

Check out tips for quitting vaping here.

Quitline

Call 13 7848 to speak to a Quitline counsellor.

Quitline counsellors provide friendly and supportive counselling to help people understand the harms of smoking or vaping and the benefits of quitting.

Counsellors can help guide people through a variety of quitting methods and offer helpful tips to manage cravings, in a welcoming and non-judgmental manner.

Aboriginal Quitline

Call 13 YARN to speak with an Aboriginal Quitline counsellor.

Aboriginal Quitline counsellors provide culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are ready to quit.

They understand the unique needs and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and peoples and provide a safe, judgement free space to provide help and encouragement.

Don’t smoke or vape, but are looking to help someone else?

Quitline counsellors are able to support people with quitting smoking or vaping.

They are also able to answer any questions you might have.

Quit.org.au

Quit.org.au is the place to go for information and support around smoking and vaping.

Regardless of what stage a person is at with their vaping or smoking they can find the information and support they need.

The website has tools, resources, information, and free support options for all members of the community.

For people who are ready to quit smoking or vaping they can develop a personalised quit vaping plan, access stories from people who have quit, and more!

My Quit Buddy App

The My QuitBuddy app is a completely customisable app to help people get and stay smoke and vape free.

The app has:

• A counter which shows how long you have stayed quit.
• The amount of money saved.
• Distractions within the app to help deal with cravings. These vary but include fun facts, tips, games, etc.
• Health updates so that you can keep a track of how your health is improving.
• A daily reminder which provides a tip to help you stay quit.
• Goals you can set to keep you motivated.
• Built in Quit tips which can be read through and applied.
• A Buddy up function which allows you to add a supportive friend or family member to the app who you can call if you need support.

Vapes are considered to be hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in household or general waste.

Do not attempt to disassemble the device yourself.

Information on where vaping products can be disposed of can be found here.

There are some key questions which can help you understand what information to rely on. These are Who, Why, What, and How.

Who made this?

Each person or organisation who provides information has an opinion about the topic (in this case vapes). Keep that in mind as you look at the information they have (or have not) provided.

Why did they make this?

Information provided usually has a goal in mind. This can be to persuade, inform, or entertain. Advertisements have a goal to persuade you to purchase something, whereas fact sheets have a goal to inform.

What do they have to gain?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell which category something falls into. Something can be persuasive AND entertaining – in which case we should return to who made this and what they might have to gain.

How does it compare to what you know/ believe?

If someone makes a claim, is it based in evidence? Does it match up with what you have heard from other trusted sources? Does the person use statistics, quotes, or research? What do other people or organisations say?

The vaping and tobacco industries specifically target young people through the use of underhanded advertising techniques in an attempt to hook them on toxic and addictive products despite knowing the harms they cause.

There are strict restrictions on the advertisement and promotion of vapes. Any vape advertisements which you may have seen are in violation of Australia’s Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023. Unfortunately, the enforcement of this legislation, especially online, is difficult.

You can report content you see on social media to the relevant platform if you so choose.