This Is Quitting, run by Truth Initiative, is the only large-scale quit-vaping text program built specifically for young people. Over 750,000 have enrolled since 2019.
How to join
Text DITCHVAPE to 88709. You'll answer three questions:
- Are you under 18 or 18+?
- How often do you vape?
- Are you planning a quit date, or already quit?
Messages start immediately and continue for 8 weeks.
Why it's different
- Peer voice. Messages are written from young people who quit, not from clinicians. Tone matches how teens actually text.
- Vape-first. Every scenario (school bathroom, party, roommate who vapes) is written for vaping, not adapted from cigarette content.
- Anonymous. No name, no email, no parent alerts.
Sample messages
"First week is the worst. When my cravings hit I'd chew ice or do 10 push-ups. Whatever works, no shame."
Reply keywords:
- CRAVE → coping tips.
- STRESS → what to do when a stress trigger fires.
- SLIP → how to reset after a slip.
- MORE → longer coping content.
Evidence
A 2021 randomised trial in JAMA Internal Medicine enrolled 2,588 young adult vape users. At 7 months, 24.1% in the This Is Quitting group had quit for 30+ days versus 18.6% in the control — a 40% relative increase.
Parent version
Parents can text QUIT to 202-899-7550 for a companion program that coaches them on how to support (not police) a teen who's quitting. See our parents guide.
When to stack it
Text programs handle the daily "keep going" side. Pair with:
- Breathing app for in-the-moment cravings.
- Quitline or CBT if you want a human coach.
- NRT for adults 18+ with heavy use.
