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, but can also be used to inhale other drugs (such as THC, found in cannabis). Some liquids contain no drugs but are still made up of complex chemicals that often can go unapproved by health officials before being retailed. 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, Jul, e-hookah, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and smartsmoker.
The liquids contained within a vape are first 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.
The new federal laws mean we can only get vapes from a local pharmacy. These vapes contain less nicotine than those that could previously be purchased from the local smoke mart. To get a vape with a higher nicotine concentration, we’ll now need to see a GP for a prescription.
It’s important to note that these laws are not focused on cutting off access but instead are aimed at reducing the harms of vaping and providing options to help us quit or reduce our use.
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.
- Mild stimulation
- Increase in heart rate
- Increased ability to concentrate
- Relaxation
- Eased cravings for tobacco
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
- Reduced appetite, stomach cramps, vomiting
- Memory impairment
- Slower reflexes
- Bloodshot eyes
- An increased heart rate
- Mild anxiety and paranoia
While the long-term effects of vaping aren’t known yet, vaping impacts the lungs, breathing and brain development – none of which work well with long-term use, right? Furthermore, the chemicals used in vapes (both those with nicotine and those without) are linked with particular types of cancers.
Overdose
Too much nicotine from vapes can cause nicotine poisoning – which is just as bad as it sounds. Symptoms can vary, but include sweating, racing heart rate and increased blood pressure, shaking 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.
HIV Medications
The interactions between vaping and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that vaping directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know. If vaping weed or nicotine, best to check these sections for any interactions with HIV medications.
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 shrinking, 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. Quitline counsellors offer personalised support throughout the quitting journey, whether it’s the first or fifth attempt to quit. Quitline 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
With the right support, we can navigate this together.
For more information about vaping head to the Australian Drug Foundation
DISCLAIMER:
The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied upon in that way.