Effective as of June 1, the UK has banned disposable vapes. This decision was made to protect children’s health as well as the environment. As vapes or E-cigarettes became more and more popular, the number of kids who used vapes has also been increasing and the easy availability of these vapes also made things a lot more difficult to control. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2024 1.63 million students used e-cigarettes, of whom 410,000 are middle school students and 1.21 million are high school students. Among students 55.6% used disposable e-cigarettes and15.6% used prefilled or refillable pods. However, the UK ban on single use vape means you can no longer buy them in physical stores or online. So, how will this ban affect regular vape users? What are some things they should expect? What Are Some Factors That Affect Vaping In Youth Most people who use tobacco, including vapes, begin when they are teenagers. Several things can lead young people to start using these products: Ads aimed at youth: Tobacco companies often create ads that appeal directly to young people.Easy to get: These products are often readily available to young people.Flavored products: Vapes and other tobacco products come in many appealing flavors that attract younger users.Friends and social groups: What friends and popular people do can also influence young people to try tobacco products. Vaping Withdrawals And What To Expect While selling disposable vapes is now against the law, it's important to note that simply owning one for personal use is still legal. However, for those who are now considering quitting vaping due to the ban, the NHS has issued a warning about common withdrawal symptoms. The NHS advises: "You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit nicotine vapes. This might make you want to reach for a cigarette. You should only quit vaping if you are confident, you can do it without smoking cigarettes." When you stop using nicotine vapes, your body will naturally react as it gets used to not having nicotine. Everyone's experience is different, but there are some common signs you might notice. These typically include: Difficulty sleepingStrong urges to smoke or vapeFeeling down or low in moodFeeling irritable or easily annoyedHaving trouble concentratingFeeling hungrier than usualTips On Avoiding Vapes If you're having trouble cutting down or stopping vaping altogether, know that you're not alone; it's a very common struggle. The NHS advises people to quit for their own personal reasons, not because they feel pressured by others. They recommend taking it slow. You can check the nicotine level in your e-liquid and slowly lower it over time, paying attention to how your body reacts. If you notice yourself vaping more, it might mean you've reduced your nicotine too quickly. Only make further cuts when you feel truly ready. Another useful tip is to change how frequently you vape. For instance, if you usually vape every 20 minutes, try to stretch that time out and only vape every 40 minutes instead. Doing this consistently will help reduce your cravings over time. The NHS emphasizes that quitting vaping can be hard, and taking it one step at a time is a good way to reach your goal. You can find more details and support options to help you stop vaping through the NHS.