Breaking Free: One Man’s Journey to Quit Vaping and Reclaim His Life

OMAHA, Neb. – In mid-October, Chance Guida embarked on a monumental journey: to quit vaping after seven years of constant dependence on his watermelon candy-flavored vape. Now, more than two months later, this 26-year-old Omaha resident has succeeded in becoming vape-free, reporting significant improvements in his mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being.

A Change in Mindset

Chance reveals, “I feel like my mind is more clear. I’m more focused and everything is kind of more organized in my head.” This newfound clarity has motivated him to pursue his passions, including photography and filmmaking. His life has shifted remarkably; he’s now enjoying better sleep, cooking more, and even left a part-time job to focus on his goals.

Support Through Community

In an inspiring twist, Guida’s journey was featured by KETV, which paired him with Ryan Price, a Council Bluffs man who had successfully quit vaping and shared his experience on TikTok. With over 628,000 followers and a viral video boasting over six million views, Price’s insights have reached and inspired many.

Price emphasizes the power of belief, stating, “The power of belief kept me in there. I believed that I couldn’t (quit).” Upon meeting, Price reassured Guida that he already possessed the necessary tools to overcome his vaping habit.

Strategies for Success

Price shared essential strategies that assisted in his own success:

• Mindset Reset: Price focused on taking control of his decisions, recognizing that he wasn’t just paying the vape companies to alleviate anxiety.
• Understanding Withdrawal: He acknowledged that withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and anxiousness, were temporary and would eventually subside.
• Keeping Busy: Staying occupied with work and projects helped him avoid cravings.
• Substituting Habit: Price used Push-Pop lollipops to replicate the feeling of bringing a vape to his mouth, enabling him to manage cravings.

The Role of Professional Support

Dr. Ken Zoucha, an addiction specialist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, underscores the importance of support in the quitting process. “Hundreds of thousands of people are able to successfully quit, yet we don’t hear their stories enough,” he notes. He emphasizes that going through withdrawal without support can often lead to relapse.

Zoucha recommends consulting healthcare professionals for assistance, including options such as nicotine patches, gum, or even prescription medications. Therapy can also be highly beneficial during the quitting journey.

The Importance of Connection

Throughout the initial days of his quit attempt, Guida communicated regularly with Price, leaning on him for support. “Those first few days I really leaned on him and talked to him. But after that, I got really busy doing stuff and that’s what took over,” Guida states.

One technique Guida adopted from Price involved using lollipops as a substitute for vaping. His favorite flavor? Strawberry! “It’s good. These are just laying all over my house now,” he shares, highlighting how this diversion from vaping has made a difference.

Recognizing Triggers

Understanding personal triggers also played a critical role in Guida’s success. He realized that driving could provoke cravings, which allowed him to devise strategies for dealing with that anxiety in healthier ways. When cravings arise, Guida practices mindfulness, interpreting them as “intrusive thoughts” to be acknowledged and dismissed.

Staying Busy: The Key to Quitting

The cornerstone of Guida’s success in quitting is simple yet powerful: keep busy. He emphasizes, “The key is to stay busy. Stay busy.” With various resources available for those looking to quit vaping or smoking, it’s clear that a support system and a proactive mindset can lead to triumph.

Resources for Quitting

If you or someone you know is seeking help to quit vaping or smoking, there is a wealth of support available:

• Nebraska Tobacco Quitline: Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 for free, confidential help with a trained quit coach.
• Online Support: Visit www.MyLifeMyQuit.org for help tailored to youth.
• Truth Initiative: Access research and strategies for quitting nicotine at www.TruthInitiative.org.
• Counseling Services: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance and to see if you qualify for free quit medications.

Whether through direct communication, understanding break triggers, or developing healthier habits, Guida’s journey serves as a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead when one decides to break free from the grip of vaping.