Success Stories

Overcoming Anxiety-triggered Vaping: A Quit Vaping Story

By PuffBye Editorial TeamLast updated Feb 2026Based on published research from CDC, WHO & NIH

For 5 years, vaped heavily during panic attacks. This specific challenge - anxiety-triggered vaping - made quitting seem nearly impossible. Every attempt to quit had failed when confronted with this particular trigger. But this time was different. Therapy, breathing exercises, CBD proved to be the key to finally breaking free. This is a story about identifying your biggest obstacle and developing a concrete plan to overcome it, proving that even the most stubborn triggers can be conquered with the right approach.

The Starting Point

Vaping had been part of life for 5 years, but not in the typical way. Vaped heavily during panic attacks. This made the addiction feel different from others' experiences. When people talked about quitting, their challenges often didn't match this specific struggle. The anxiety-triggered vaping was so powerful that it had derailed every previous quit attempt. Time and time again, the pattern repeated: quit for a few days or weeks, encounter the trigger, give in, and spiral back into regular use. The frustration of knowing exactly what would cause relapse but feeling powerless to prevent it was overwhelming. Something had to change - not just the vaping habit itself, but the approach to dealing with this particular challenge.

The Decision to Quit

The decision to try quitting again came with a new realization: this time, the anxiety-triggered vaping had to be addressed head-on from day one. Previous attempts had relied on general quit strategies, but this time would be different. Extensive research focused specifically on overcoming anxiety-triggered vaping while quitting vaping. Stories from others who had conquered the same obstacle provided both hope and practical strategies. Therapy, breathing exercises, CBD emerged as the most promising approach. A detailed quit plan was created with this specific challenge at the center. The quit date was chosen strategically, considering when the trigger would be most manageable. Friends and family were briefed not just on quitting vaping, but specifically on the anxiety-triggered vaping and how they could help.

The First Week

The first week required intense focus on managing anxiety-triggered vaping. Unlike previous attempts where this trigger caught by surprise, this time it was anticipated and prepared for. Therapy, breathing exercises, CBD, which helped tremendously. When the trigger arose - and it did, multiple times - there was a concrete plan to follow. Sometimes the plan worked perfectly, other times it required adaptation on the fly. The PuffBye app was used to track not just cravings in general, but specifically when anxiety-triggered vaping occurred and what strategies worked. This data proved invaluable in refining the approach. By the end of the first week, there had been several successful encounters with the trigger without relapsing. Each small victory built confidence that this time really could be different.

Finding What Works

As weeks progressed, the approach to anxiety-triggered vaping became more refined. What worked in week one needed adjustment in week two. Trial and error revealed that therapy, breathing exercises, CBD was most effective when combined with other tactics - deep breathing, calling a support person, or using nicotine replacement therapy for particularly intense moments. Patterns emerged: the trigger was strongest at certain times or in certain contexts. Armed with this knowledge, preparation could be even more targeted. Interestingly, addressing anxiety-triggered vaping so directly had an unexpected benefit - it reduced overall cravings too. By tackling the biggest obstacle head-on, confidence grew in handling other, smaller triggers. A community of others dealing with the same challenge, found online, provided ongoing support and fresh ideas when progress plateaued.

Turning Points

The first major turning point came when encountering anxiety-triggered vaping and realizing, afterward, that the craving had been manageable rather than overwhelming. That shift from "I barely survived that" to "I handled that pretty well" marked a significant change. Another breakthrough was going an entire week without the trigger causing a serious craving. The thirty-day milestone brought relief - one full month of successfully managing what had previously been the downfall of every quit attempt. Physical and mental health improvements became noticeable, reinforcing that all the effort was worthwhile. Perhaps most importantly, the fear of anxiety-triggered vaping began to dissipate. What had seemed like an insurmountable obstacle was revealed to be challenging but absolutely conquerable.

Life After Quitting

Today, anxiety managed without nicotine. The anxiety-triggered vaping that once seemed impossible to overcome is now just another part of life that no longer triggers vaping. Looking back, the key was not avoiding the trigger entirely, but learning to face it without vaping. This has built resilience and confidence that extends beyond just quitting. For others struggling with anxiety-triggered vaping, the message is clear: identify your specific obstacle, develop a targeted strategy, and don't give up. The fact that this challenge derailed previous attempts doesn't mean it will derail all future ones. With the right approach - like therapy, breathing exercises, CBD - even the most stubborn triggers can be overcome. The freedom on the other side is worth every bit of effort it takes to get there.

Key Takeaways

  • Identifying your specific biggest challenge is the first step to overcoming it
  • Therapy, breathing exercises, CBD can be highly effective for managing anxiety-triggered vaping
  • Tracking when and how triggers occur helps refine your strategy over time
  • What seems like an insurmountable obstacle becomes manageable with targeted preparation
  • Successfully conquering your biggest trigger builds confidence for handling all others

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I overcome anxiety-triggered vaping when trying to quit vaping?
The key is developing a specific plan for this trigger before you encounter it. Therapy, breathing exercises, CBD has proven effective for many people. Combine this with tracking when the trigger occurs and what helps, so you can continuously refine your approach.
How long does it take before anxiety-triggered vaping stops triggering cravings?
This varies by individual, but most people report significant improvement within 3-4 weeks. The trigger may still occur, but the intensity of the craving response decreases dramatically. By three months, many people can encounter the trigger with minimal to no cravings.
What should I do if I relapse because of anxiety-triggered vaping?
First, don't give up entirely. A slip doesn't erase all your progress. Analyze what happened: what about this encounter with anxiety-triggered vaping led to the relapse? What could you do differently next time? Adjust your strategy and try again. Many successful quitters had multiple attempts before finding what works.

Sources & References

The information in this article is based on publicly available research and guidance from the following authoritative health organizations:

Sources accessed February 2026

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