Perceptions of vaping addiction and cessation among Australian young adults: A qualitative study

Vape use in Australian young adults (18-24 years) is the highest of all age groups. With long-term health behaviors established during young adulthood, vaping addiction is concerning, as is establishing appropriate cessation supports for this group. Our qualitative study explored the perspectives and experiences of vaping-related addiction and cessation among Australian young adults.

This study was a qualitative study using data from the Generation Vape research study. Twenty semi-structured focus groups were conducted online in February 2023. The Framework Method was used to thematically analyze for key themes and sub-themes.

Participants (n=114) were, on average, 21 years old, approximately half were female (51.8%), and most had vaped (78.9%). Our analysis identified three themes: 1) factors facilitating regular vaping; 2) perceptions of vaping addiction; and 3) vaping cessation behaviors. Themes appeared to influence each other and highlighted the nuanced ways young adults understand addiction and reflect on their use. While young adults agreed that vapes were addictive, addiction itself was categorized as habitual (i.e. embedded in daily routine) or compulsive (i.e. an uncontrollable urge) - with varying levels of acceptability. Young adults experiencing addiction to vaping highlighted that this was an unintended outcome, describing cessation challenges of nicotine withdrawal and social temptation. Those not considering cessation felt in control of their use and would avoid addiction, viewing vaping as a transient life-phase.

Our findings are timely considering the recent policy changes in Australia. Vaping attitudes and potential misconceptions need to be challenged in young adults who may underestimate addiction. Given that vaping is a socially embedded practice among young adults, support tailored specifically to this group is needed to effectively promote cessation.