Lecture Notes: Harm Reduction in Nicotine Vaping Products

Introduction

• Focus on the third pillar of Australia’s National Drug Strategy: Harm Reduction.
• Harm reduction strategies are used for individuals continuing to use substances, including nicotine.
• Discussing harm reduction in the context of nicotine vaping products.

Strategies for Harm Reduction in Vaping

1. Obtain a Prescription

• Avoid unregulated market products due to potential toxic ingredients and variable nicotine levels.
• Obtain nicotine vaping products through a prescription and purchase from an Australian Pharmacy for quality and safety assurance.

2. Quit Smoking and Vaping

• Tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Australia.
• Encourage quitting both smoking and vaping to reduce harm.
• If quitting is not possible, switching to vaping only is likely less harmful than smoking.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy as a less harmful option for quitting nicotine.

3. Find the Right Nicotine Concentration

• Satisfy cravings with fewer puffs to reduce inhalation of harmful chemicals.

4. Maintain Reusable Devices

• Replace coil and wick in mod and pod style devices regularly.
• Stock up on replacement parts to avoid exposure to toxins from worn-out parts.

5. Follow Manufacturer's Instructions

• Avoid overheating the coil and wick, which can create harmful toxins.
• Do not increase temperature beyond recommended ranges.

6. Proper Disposal of Disposable Vapes

• Throw away disposable vapes when empty.
• Reusing them can expose users to toxins and increase fire risks.

7. Avoid "Nicksick"

• Overuse of nicotine leads to symptoms like headaches and nausea ("Nicksick").
• Unregulated vapes have unknown nicotine concentrations; start with minimal use.

8. Manage Frequency of Use

• Encourage mindful vaping to avoid dependence.
• Set limits on usage and store vapes out of easy reach.

9. Avoid Dry Puffing

• Avoid inhaling when the vape is out of liquid.
• Ensure the wick is soaked after refilling before use.

10. Respect Legal and Social Vaping Norms

• Avoid vaping in prohibited areas to prevent social and economic repercussions.
• Consider seeking help for nicotine dependence.

11. Respect Non-Vapers

• Avoid vaping in enclosed spaces around non-vapers, children, and pregnant women.

12. Manage Batteries Safely

• Prevent battery fires or explosions by keeping away from heat.
• Use only the charger provided and follow manufacturer guidelines.

13. Store Liquid Nicotine Safely

• Keep out of reach of children and pets due to toxicity.
• Handle spills carefully and contact the Poisons Information Center if needed.

Additional Information

• For more information on vaping, visit the designated website.