Vaping Resources in Greater Cincinnati

E-cigarette, tobacco use in Greater Cincinnati

More than 1 in 3 Greater Cincinnati adults (34%) use some type of tobacco product, according to the Greater Cincinnati Adult Tobacco Survey. Cigarette use is most common, but new products such as electonic cigarettes have emerged.  In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products has increased dramatically among youth and young adults. More than 5 million middle and high school students in the U.S. report that they currently use e-cigarettes, according to the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey. 

In Greater Cincinnati, almost 4 in 10 adults ages 18 to 29 report that they are current e-cigarette users.  Vaping devices resemble many everyday products. No matter what they look like all contain harmful chemicals, nicotine and are marketed to youth. Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that makes the heart work harder. Most vape devices popular with teens have very high doses of nicotine that can lead to irritability, anxiety and mood swings. 

COVID-19 and smoking/vaping

• The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns for everyone, especially those who smoke or use e-cigarettes. 
• While data are still emerging about the specific impacts of the virus on people who use tobacco, conclusive evidence shows that smoking weakens the immune system and increases the risk of respiratory infections. 
• Growing evidence indicates that vaping can harm lung health and cause inflammation in the airways and lungs.  
• The novel coronavirus attacks the lungs and could be a serious threat to those who smoke and use vaping products.  
• A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Chinese coronavirus patients who smoked were more than twice as likely as those who didn’t to have severe infections from COVID-19.  
• People who smoke or vape touch their faces repeatedly when using a cigarette or vaping device. Public health officials recommend not touching one's face to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• It is more important than ever for youth and adults to stop using all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to protect their health.  

Cessation Resources

Overcoming nicotine addiction is difficult under normal circumstances. Stress and anxiety are often triggers to smoke or vape.  For cessation support, please visit: 

• Firsthand account: A former smoker shares her tips for dealing with stress without tobacco.
• Truth Initiative: This is Quitting: Teens and young adults ages 13-24 who want help quitting vaping.
• My Life, My Quit: Teens age 17 and younger who want help quitting all forms of tobacco including vaping.
• Tobacco Quit Line: Adult tobacco users can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit: 
  • Ohio: https://ohio.quitlogix.org    
  • Kentucky: https://www.quitnowkentucky.org   
  • Indiana: https://www.quitnowindiana.com/quit

Informational Resources

• U.S. Surgeon General--Know the Risks: E-cigarettes: Provides tips for parents, explains how e-cigarettes work and outlines their impact on the youth brain. 
• Truth Initiative: E-cigarette Fact Sheet: Provides an in-depth look at a variety of products, discusses marketing tactics and outlines the public health impact of vaping.
• American Lung Association: The Vape Talk: Helps adults talk with youth about vaping.
• CDC Stress and Coping Resources: Helps people cope with the stress, fear and axiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• CDC Information for People who are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness: Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.