“While we welcome regulations to limit the availability of nicotine products to young people in the community, we expect these bans to have a significant impact on people’s wellbeing as they experience withdrawal from nicotine,” Siobhan said.
The changes come following nation-wide consultation in response to a rapid increase in vaping, especially among Australians aged 14-34.
“This increase puts a new generation at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, which we know comes with dire personal and public health consequences,” Siobhan said.
Local services which support people to quit nicotine include Bendigo Community Health Services, Youth Support and Advocacy Service and headspace Bendigo. Additionally, people can seek support from Quit Victoria online or via phone.
“We know the most effective way to quit nicotine products is to combine behavioural support, such as Quit counselling, with nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or sprays,” Siobhan said.
“We encourage people who currently use vapes to reach out to their medical practitioner for support to create a Quit plan.”
Bendigo Community Health Services can also support health professionals to update their knowledge and skills in supporting clients to quit smoking or vaping.
