Trying to quit vaping? Here’s how to get help without penalty

The article shares the experience of Mr Jereld Pan, a 30-year-old game development tester who switched from smoking to vaping five years ago but remained hooked on nicotine and continued to experience coughing fits. After learning about the health risks of vaping, including lasting lung damage, he decided to quit and succeeded after more than two years of vaping and repeated attempts over six months. He initially knew little about available support and did not realise he could seek help voluntarily without receiving an offence record. The article emphasizes that in Singapore, where vaping remains illegal with fines up to S$10,000 and tougher consequences for repeat offenders, those who voluntarily seek help to quit will not face penalties or an offence record. The Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme offers free support to adults aged 18 and above, including daily SMS tips or telephone counselling with follow-up calls for up to a year. I Quit tele-counsellor Sandhieyaa Rave Chadran explains that counselling is confidential and focused on understanding and support rather than judgment, though it does not exempt participants from legal consequences of vaping outside the programme. The article details how counselling helps address nicotine dependence, cravings, routines and emotional triggers, and provides practical strategies such as finding alternative coping methods and preparing responses to offers of vapes. Mr Pan’s successful quit journey involved removing vapes and pods, engaging in gaming, boxing and Muay Thai, eating healthy snacks, and opening up to supportive family and friends. He hopes others will encourage those trying to quit rather than criticise lapses, and Ms Sandhieyaa notes that people do not need to be fully ready to seek help—the first step can simply be to speak with counsellors.

(Source：CNA)