Vapes
What is it?
Vapes are electronic devices used to heat a liquid chemical to produce a vapour for inhaling. This is commonly called vaping. Most often the liquid within the device will contain nicotine. Some e-liquids don’t contain nicotine or other drugs but are still made up of complex chemicals that can be untested and unsafe. These liquids come in a wide variety of flavours and sweeteners.
Vapes can resemble a variety of objects including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or everyday items such as pens, USB memory sticks, and larger cylindrical or rectangular devices. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also known as pens, pods, e-hookah, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and smartsmoker.
The liquids contained within a vape are heated within their electronic devices into a vapour which is then inhaled.
VAPING LAWS
Recently introduced national vaping laws have shaken things up a bit, folks, but what do they mean, and how will they affect us? Let’s unpack it together.
Firstly, it’s hard to attend a queer event without seeing vapes left, right and centre. Our LGBTIQ+ community vapes at higher rates than the general population, so these new laws are definitely going to impact us. Find out more about rates of vaping.
The new federal laws mean vapes are only legally available from a local pharmacy as a tool to help people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence. Over 18’s can buy some vapes from a participating pharmacy without a prescription (only for vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml or less) after speaking to the pharmacist first. To get a vape with a higher nicotine concentration, we’ll now need to see a GP for a prescription.
These laws are here to help reduce the harms of vaping, support us to cut back or quit, and protect against nicotine addiction, all while taking aim at Big Tobacco marketing!
There’s real power in stepping away from a habit and embracing our strength and resilience.
What are the effects?
Depending on the liquid used and the chemical or drug contained, the effects of what is vaped can change.
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
- Reduced appetite, stomach cramps, vomiting
- Mild stimulation
- Increase in heart rate
- Relaxation
- Eased cravings for tobacco
For the short term effects of THC by vaping head to Cannabis.
While the long-term effects of vaping aren’t fully known yet, vaping impacts the lungs, breathing and brain development – none of which work well with long-term use, right? Did you know vaping may also make mental health issues like anxiety and depression worse? Furthermore, the chemicals used in vapes (both those with nicotine and those without) can include several nasty things that cause cancer. Find out more.
Overdose
Too much nicotine from vapes can cause nicotine poisoning – which is just as bad as it sounds. Symptoms can vary, but include sweating, feeling dizzy, racing heart rate and vomiting – so solid pass on that! Knowing the signs of overdose helps keeps us and others safe, and when we might need to call an ambulance. Watch out for these symptoms and call 000 in an emergency. You can also call the Poisons Hotline on 13 11 26.
HIV Medications
The interactions between vaping and antiretroviral medications are not well known. If new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know. If you are vaping, maybe chat with your HIV specialist for more information.
The interactions between vaping and PrEP and PEP are also not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that vaping directly interacts with these medications or reduces their efficacy. We’ll keep looking and update you if any new research comes to light.
The interactions between vaping and PrEP and PEP are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that vaping directly interacts with these medications or reduces their efficacy. We’ll keep looking and update you if any new research comes to light.
To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and vaping head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.
Hormones
There’s currently no evidence to suggest that vaping directly reduces the efficacy of HRT. We’ll keep looking and update this information if something new comes to light.
The interactions between vaping and HRT are not well known. Due to the possible overlap with tobacco, check out the interactions section for related information.
SUPPORT
Quitting is challenging. It’s not fun, we get that!
It can be hard to know what options are available. All we need to do is reach out, but who could we reach out to?
The good news is that while access to vapes might be changing, access to support is growing. There are Quit programs and community initiatives that are here to support us LGBTIQ+ folks.
Quitline is a free, non-judgemental, inclusive and confidential service to support people who are looking to quit smoking or vaping. The counsellors offer personalised support throughout the quitting journey, whether it’s the first or fifth attempt to quit. Quiteline counsellors can chat to you in a culturally appropriate and accessible way. You’ll also find peers working in the service. Reach out to Quitline today or at 13 QUIT (7847)
You can also download the My QuitBuddy app- a free mobile phone app designed to help and encourage you to quit either vaping or smoking. It lets you set personal goals, track your progress and see how much money you’ve saved.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) aim to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop vaping. They include patches, gum, sprays or lozenges and used properly- they can make a big difference. Some NRTs are available at a subsidised price through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Other prescription medications are available on the PBS to help curb the cravings. You will need a prescription to access these (and they are not suitable for everyone) – so take the opportunity to talk to your trusted health professional about what methods may be right for you.
With the right support, we can navigate this together.
For more information about vaping head to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation or the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, as they have a range of resources about vaping and support to help you quit
DISCLAIMER:
The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied upon in that way.