DEAR DEIDRE: I’VE become addicted to vaping and really want to stop – but it’s all I can think of.

I’m an 18-year-old girl and started doing it when I was 15, because it was cheaper and easier than smoking cigarettes.

I thought it was safer too.

Now I can’t quit. I think about vaping as soon as I wake up and I use my vape whenever I’m alone in my room, or if I go outside.

It helps me concentrate and stops me stressing about things.

But I’m getting quite a bad cough and I’m worried it’s damaging my health.

DEIDRE SAYS: Vaping is as addictive as smoking, both in terms of nicotine and the habit of doing it.

It’s good you’ve realised you have a problem.

If you stop suddenly, you will get withdrawal symptoms, which can be counteracted with nicotine gum.

Occupy your hands with a fidget spinner or stress ball.

For more help, contact themix.org.uk, which gives advice to under-25s.

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