‘It’s the worst feeling’ – young New Zealanders regret their vaping addictions but feel unsupported to quit
December 06, 2024 by theconversation.com
‘It’s the worst feeling’ – young New Zealanders regret their vaping addictions but feel unsupported to quit
Vaping rates among youth in New Zealand are concerning, with a proposed ban on disposable vapes and restrictions on retailers to curb accessibility. Addiction to nicotine-laden vape products negatively impacts young people's well-being and self-perception. Many feel resentful, judged, and struggle to quit. Strong regulations are needed to protect youth from harmful marketing tactics. Implementing stricter policies, such as limiting product sales to specified age-restricted shops and monitoring the effects of the ban on disposable vapes, is crucial. Additionally, targeted cessation programs with empathetic support are recommended to help young individuals overcome addiction.
8.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 364,000 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR
