How Long Does It Take to Quit Vaping?
There are really three questions hiding in "how long does it take to quit vaping": how long the withdrawal lasts, how long until cravings stop being a problem, and how long until you feel like a non-vaper. They have different answers.
How long withdrawal lasts: about 2 to 4 weeks
The physical side of nicotine withdrawal usually peaks in the first three days and fades over two to four weeks. That's the stretch where you may feel irritable, restless, foggy or hungry. See the nicotine withdrawal timeline.
How long until cravings fade: a few weeks to a few months
Cravings come often in the first week, then less often. After a month or two they're usually rare and short, mostly triggered by specific situations: a night out, stress, seeing someone vape. They don't vanish on a set date; they fade as you keep getting through them.
How long until the habit breaks: around three months
Habits are built from repetition, and you probably repeated vaping thousands of times. Many people find that around the three-month mark they stop thinking about vaping most days. That's why Unvapd uses 90 days as the point where your lungs in the app reach "Free". It's a milestone to work toward, not a medical deadline.
You decided. That counts.
The peak of withdrawal is usually behind you.
One week vape-free.
Most physical withdrawal has passed.
The habit has lost most of its grip.
Things that make it faster
- A clear quit day and a written plan (see how to make a quit vaping plan)
- Removing every vape from your home, bag and car
- A plan for your top three triggers
- Support from people around you
- Nicotine replacement, if a pharmacist or doctor thinks it suits you
Things that slow it down
- Keeping a vape "for emergencies"
- "Just one puff" moments, which tend to restart cravings
- Heavy drinking, which lowers your guard (see vaping and alcohol)
- Spending lots of time around people who vape
Count the days
Quitting feels faster when you can see the days pile up. Unvapd, the app we built to help people quit vaping, shows your vape-free streak, money saved and lungs lighting up from Smoky to Free, and sends a cheer at milestones like 1, 3, 7, 30 and 90 days.
Sources and further help
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have health concerns, or want help with withdrawal or stop-smoking medicines, talk to a doctor, pharmacist or a local stop-smoking service.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to stop craving a vape?
Cravings usually become much less frequent after the first few weeks and rare after a couple of months, though occasional triggered cravings can still happen.
How long does it take for your body to get used to not vaping?
Most of the physical withdrawal passes within two to four weeks.
Photos: rawpixel, public domain (CC0).