'Feel it when I breathe': Canberra's first dedicated vaping support program opens

The opening of Nicotine Knockout, Canberra's first dedicated vaping support program, marks a significant step in addressing the growing concern over youth nicotine addiction in our community. Operated by Anglicare's The Junction Youth Health Service, this initiative offers crucial support to individuals under 25, providing them with nurses and youth workers to combat dependence.

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You can feel it. I can feel it in my lungs. I can feel it when I breathe. It's not great.

We hear from young people like Cameron Owens-Gale, who started vaping nearly a decade ago and now struggles with persistent cough and chest pains. His experience highlights the insidious nature of nicotine addiction, exacerbated by the sheer accessibility of vapes compared to traditional cigarettes. The ritualistic nature of smoking has been replaced by quick, dopamine-driven hits while gaming, illustrating how modern habits amplify addiction.

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When I smoke cigarettes, I would sit down, I would roll a cigarette, I'd go for a walk, I'd chat to a mate, I'd had one cigarette, I'd come inside, I'd do what I was doing. That was a process and a ritual, almost.

Nurse practitioner Diane Bowden notes that many young Canberrans are motivated to quit, often after previous failed attempts. The program's strength lies in its non-judgmental approach, recognizing that quitting is a process. This supportive environment is key to helping young people not only overcome addiction but also fundamentally change their relationship with vaping. It's a vital local response to a national health challenge, offering hope and practical assistance where it's most needed.

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With a vape, I'm playing video games, I die on a video game, take a hit of the vape. "I'm tying the nicotine to other forms of dopamine and serotonin in my system."

While international coverage often focuses on the global rise of vaping and regulatory battles, our local perspective emphasizes the personal struggles and the community-based solutions emerging. Nicotine Knockout represents a proactive, compassionate response tailored to the needs of our youth, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being that resonates deeply within Canberra.

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They probably have tried previously, and they might have succeeded for a short time, but then it's something's happened and they've taken it up again.