The real reason you’re finding it so hard to quit vaping: Our experts reveal the truth about cravings, devastating hidden side effects… and the little-known pill that could cure you for good

Young people who vape risk becoming addicted for life due to withdrawal symptoms that can be worse than quitting smoking, doctors warn.

E-cigarettes are often recommended by GPs to patients trying to quit smoking as it is currently believed that, while certainly not harmless, they are significantly safer than cigarettes.

However, experts warn that a growing number of young people are taking up the habit despite never having smoked, unnecessarily endangering their health.

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Research shows that the majority of young people who vape have tried to quit but failed due to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings and tremors.

While e-cigarettes aren’t necessarily more addictive than cigarettes, experts say vapers, on average, consume more nicotine — the active ingredient found in both products — than smokers because it’s easier to vape indoors, meaning users do so more often, leading to stronger addictions.

One patient who has experienced this is Kate Corfield, 33, from London, who started vaping a decade ago to quit smoking. The fitness consultant, who founded her own company Grace&Grit, runs ultramarathons and is a former professional dancer, says a GP friend recommended she try it.

Kate quickly became addicted, smoking a disposable vape every day – equivalent to around 40 cigarettes in nicotine content.

“I would run ultramarathons with a fume in my shorts,” she says. “I was so addicted to it.”

Kate Corfield, 33, smoked one disposable vape a day before she tried to quit

Last year Kate decided to quit. “I felt so miserable all the time,” she says. ‘It made me anxious and restless. I was not a pleasant person to be around. It was much worse than trying to quit smoking.’

Experts say Kate’s symptoms are typical of people trying to quit vaping. ‘Patients tend to feel terrible,’ says Dr Aran Singanayagam, consultant in respiratory medicine at OneWelbeck and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

“It’s even harder than cigarettes because there are very few places to smoke these days, yet it’s so easy to vape anywhere, even indoors.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, around 5.4 million people now vape in Britain.

Research shows this habit is safer than cigarette smoking, the leading cause of lung cancer – the country’s deadliest form of cancer, which kills 33,000 people every year.

However, recent figures show that one in five British children aged 11 to 17 have now tried vaping, despite it being illegal for under-18s. In the past three years alone, usage has tripled.

Research now shows that many young people who have used e-cigarettes have difficulty quitting.

A 2025 US survey of the vaping habits of 18- to 24-year-olds found that almost three-quarters had tried to quit but failed. It also emerged that half had failed more than three times, with many blaming withdrawal symptoms.

“It’s almost like your entire body has no energy,” one participant told scientists at the University of Arkansas. “I just don’t feel like getting out of bed all day, and then you get a headache and you start shaking.”

Another participant blamed constant “cravings”: “You’re getting sick,” they said. “I was just nervous and super angry… I just ended up breaking down.”

Experts say there are steps patients can take to quit, but warn that withdrawal symptoms usually can’t be completely avoided.

The NHS recommends reducing nicotine levels gradually – most reusable devices are refilled with liquid which comes in different strengths. It also suggests increasing the time between each puff.

There is also growing evidence that the drug Varenicline, also known as Champix, can help people quit vaping. A major study published last year found that around half of young vapers – aged 16 to 25 – who took varenicline tablets daily were able to quit, compared to just 14 percent on a placebo. However, currently the NHS does not prescribe it for vaping.

For Kate, the solution to her addiction was somewhat unexpected: flavored toothpicks.

“I saw people on social media saying they helped them quit,” she says. ‘It gives you something to do with your hands and mouth.

‘They really helped. It didn’t take away my withdrawal symptoms, but it helped me resist the urge.

‘After a few weeks the symptoms disappeared and I haven’t vaped since, although I still feel hungry. I’ve never felt so healthy.’

Kate says she would urge anyone thinking about taking up vaping to reconsider. “In many ways it’s more dangerous than smoking because you can do it almost anywhere, which means you become more addicted.”

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