Health1 min read

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

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The free I Quit programme provides adults aged 18 and older with structured assistance via daily text messages or telephone counselling, alongside follow-up support lasting up to a full year. Counsellors work directly with participants to identify specific emotional triggers and establish alternative coping mechanisms rather than treating temporary lapses as complete failures. However, enrolling in the programme does not provide legal immunity if participants are caught vaping outside of the service.

Key points

  • Individuals in Singapore who voluntarily come forward for vaping cessation help will not…: Individuals in Singapore who voluntarily come forward for vaping cessation help will not receive an offence record.
  • Participants must note that joining the programme does not exempt them from penalties for…: Participants must note that joining the programme does not exempt them from penalties for vaping outside the initiative.
  • Counsellors focus on managing nicotine withdrawal, emotional triggers, and personal routi…: Counsellors focus on managing nicotine withdrawal, emotional triggers, and personal routines rather than viewing lapses as failures.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Five years ago, Mr Jereld Pan, now 30, switched from smoking to vaping after hearing it was a “cleaner” alternative to cigarettes. But he remained hooked on nicotine, while the coughing fits he had experienced as a smoker continued, sometimes leaving him feeling like vomiting.

Concerned, he began reading about the health risks of vaping, including the possibility of lasting lung damage. What he learnt convinced him to quit. After more than two years of vaping and repeated attempts to stop for over six months, he finally succeeded.

Mr Pan, a game development tester, likened quitting to “finally beating that impossible boss” in a video game.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE SEEKING HELP

Although Mr Pan considered professional help, he felt he could quit on his own. At the time, he knew little about programmes to help people stop vaping and did not realise he could seek help voluntarily without receiving an offence record. He now believes greater awareness of vaping’s risks and available support makes it easier for people to come forward.

Those who voluntarily seek help to quit will…

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