Vaping to Quit Dipping
Most conversations about tobacco focus on cigarettes. Dip and chew get far less attention, even though millions of American adults use smokeless tobacco. If you dip and have wondered whether vaping could be part of moving away from it, this article covers the background you need, and why your first conversation should be with a doctor or dentist.
It is general information, not medical advice.
Short version: Dip, chew and most vape juice all contain nicotine, which is addictive. No vaping product is FDA-approved as a quit aid, and public-health bodies disagree on the details, so talk to your doctor or dentist before you change anything. They can walk you through the quit options the FDA has approved.
What counts as smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is any tobacco product you use without lighting it. The main types are:
- Chewing tobacco: loose leaves, plugs or twists that are chewed or held in the cheek.
- Moist snuff, or dip: finely cut tobacco placed between the lip and gum.
- Dry snuff: powdered tobacco that some people sniff through the nose.
- Snus: a moist snuff that usually comes in small pouches.
Smokeless tobacco is cured and often flavored or sweetened, with wintergreen and mint among the familiar dip flavors. Like cigarettes, it contains nicotine, which is what keeps people coming back.
Why health agencies are concerned about dipping
The CDC says smokeless tobacco contains cancer-causing chemicals and can cause cancers of the mouth, esophagus and pancreas. It is also linked to gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, and it can raise the risk of early death from heart disease and stroke. Using it during pregnancy increases the risk of early delivery and stillbirth.
For the full, current picture, see the CDC’s tobacco pages.
Why it is so hard to put down
Giving up dip is easier said than done, and the reasons are much the same as with cigarettes. Part of it is nicotine dependence. When you go without, you may feel irritable, restless, anxious or unable to focus, and cravings can be strong.
Part of it is habit. Dipping is often tied to routines and places: the drive to work, a ball game, time with friends. When you stop, those moments can feel strange, and you may feel left out when the people around you still use.
That is why many people find it helps to make a plan with a professional rather than relying on willpower alone.
Where vaping fits into the conversation
Some adults who dip ask whether switching to vaping could help them move away from smokeless tobacco. Here is what to know before you decide anything:
- No vaping product is FDA-approved as a quit aid. Vapes are regulated by the FDA as tobacco products, not as medicines.
- Nicotine is still nicotine. Most vape juice contains it, and it is addictive whether it comes from a pouch, a cigarette or a vape.
- Experts disagree. Public-health bodies do not agree on how vaping compares with other tobacco products, and research is ongoing.
- There are approved options. The FDA has approved several products to help people quit smoking, including nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, as well as some prescription medicines. Your doctor can tell you whether any of them suit someone who dips.
If you are considering any change, vaping included, talk to your doctor or dentist first. Dentists see the effects of smokeless tobacco up close and can help you plan your next steps.
If you are an adult who decides to vape
If you have talked it through with your doctor and decide to try vaping, a few things make the start easier:
- Start simple. A refillable pod system is easy to use and easy to look after. Our beginner’s guide to vaping explains the main device types.
- Understand nicotine strength. Strengths vary widely, and the right level depends on your device. Read our guides to nicotine strength and nicotine salts before you buy, and ask your doctor about it.
- Pick flavors you enjoy. If you are used to wintergreen or mint dip, our mint and tobacco flavor categories are a natural place to look.
- Buy from a licensed, age-verified retailer. Avoid unregulated products, and never add anything to your vape juice.
- Store it securely. Keep vape juice capped and out of reach of children and pets.
- Mind the etiquette. Rules about where you can vape vary, and many places that ban smoking ban vaping too. Our vaping etiquette guide covers the basics.
Common questions
Is vaping an approved way to quit dipping?
No. No vaping product is FDA-approved as a quit aid. The FDA has approved other products to help people quit smoking, and your doctor can tell you whether any of them fit your situation.
Does vape juice contain nicotine?
Most does, in a wide range of strengths, and nicotine is addictive. Vape juice labeled 0 mg is made without added nicotine. Always check the label.
Who can help me stop using smokeless tobacco?
Your doctor, dentist or pharmacist is a good place to start. The CDC also offers information and free resources for people who want to quit tobacco.
Can I vape anywhere I used to dip?
Not necessarily. Many places that ban smoking also ban vaping, and rules vary by state, city and property. Check the local rules and ask before you vape around others.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.