An Elf Bar, a disposable vape popular among younger users, contains as much nicotine as 590 cigarettes.
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Since 2018, vaping has been illegal in Singapore, but the ban appears to have done little to deter users.
Meanwhile, almost 1 in 10 Singapore residents continue to smoke daily, according to the latest National Population Health Survey.
It is clear that the issue goes beyond vaping, as traditional cigarette smoking remains deeply entrenched.
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To help us unpack this troubling trend, we spoke with Dr Alvin Ng, a Respiratory Physician and Intensivist, with a specialisation in obstructive airway diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“Nicotine addiction is a key reason – it’s both physically and psychologically addictive.” shares Dr Ng. He adds that for some, “smoking or vaping becomes a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.”
Peer influence and curiosity also contribute, especially when vaping is perceived as a “safer” alternative.
The Dual Threat of Smoking and Vaping in Singapore
Lured by sleek designs, fruity flavours, and misleading claims of being less harmful than traditional cigarettes, vaping remains an attractive option for many young individuals.
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Government statistics paint a grim picture:
Nearly 4,000 people were caught vaping between July and September 2024, a 52% increase from the previous quarter. Over 740 caught were students.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has also intensified its efforts by monitoring online platforms and removing more than 6,000 vape-related listings in 2024, which is double the figure from the previous year.
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At the same time, cigarette smoking remains a deeply entrenched issue, causing over 2,000 deaths in Singapore each year from smoking-related illnesses.
The Risks of Smoking and Vaping
Both smoking and vaping pose serious health risks, though they affect the body in different ways.
The harmful effects of inhaling tar and thousands of toxic chemicals in cigarettes are well-documented.
Dr Ng notes, “Vaping has many similar health risks when compared to smoking. Vape users are exposed to many harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, through combustion.”
He also highlights a specific condition linked to vaping, known as e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
“This condition can occur in individuals allergic to vape components, and in severe cases, it may result in respiratory failure.”
The misconception that vaping is safer than smoking has contributed to its popularity, especially among young people.
This belief overlooks the potential for long-term harm and the possibility that vaping could serve as a gateway to traditional cigarette use.
What It Takes to Quit Smoking, After 40 Years
Nicholas Tan spent over 40 years as a smoker, trying numerous methods to quit without success.
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His motivation came when health concerns became impossible to ignore.
“I knew the toll smoking was taking on my health, and it became impossible to ignore after my routine ECG showed concerning results,” he says.
The pandemic also played a role in his decision.
“The lockdown made cigarettes harder to access, which got me thinking: if I couldn’t get cigarettes for a while, why not quit altogether?”
Nicholas discovered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in 2020 while researching ways to quit.
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“It seemed like a safer, more structured option compared to things like vaping,” he says.
Each attempt brought challenges, especially during the first week. “There were moments I wanted to give up, especially when I still had cigarettes lying around,” he recalls. To stay motivated, he used small milestones.
“I had mini countdowns, like 50 hours without smoking, then 100, and so on.”
Support from his family and friends also kept him going: “They reminded me how far I’d come and encouraged me to stick with it.”
Managing triggers was another hurdle. Socialising with smoker friends proved challenging, but Nicholas found strategies to cope.
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“I kept mints with me, which became my go-to whenever a craving hit. I also found new distractions, like gaming and watching movies, to occupy my mind and hands.”
Persistence was the key to his success.
What Can You Do to Quit Smoking or Vaping?
Quitting nicotine, whether from smoking or vaping, is one of the hardest challenges many individuals face. Both habits are not just physically addictive, but also deeply tied to emotional and social triggers.
Dr Ng recommends starting with practical steps to set yourself up for success: “Set a clear quit date and prepare mentally. Remove cigarettes, vaping devices, and related items from your environment.”
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He also advises identifying personal triggers and developing strategies to cope. “Consider using NRT or medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, and seek support from family, friends, or professionals,” he adds.
Nicholas journey is a testament to this—quitting after 40 years was no small feat, but he succeeded with the right tools and support.
Quitting is a journey, not a one-time decision. With the right approach and support, it’s possible to break free from nicotine addiction and improve your health for the long term.
The Road to a Smoke-Free Life
The dangers of smoking and vaping are clear, but so is the potential for change. For individuals like Nicholas, quitting is proof that it’s never too late to make a change, even after decades of dependency.
“Every attempt taught me something new about myself and my triggers.”
Tools like NRT made a significant difference for him. “NRT allowed me to focus on breaking the habit, not just fighting the physical addiction,” he explains.
Dr Ng echoes this sentiment, urging individuals not to give up, even if they’ve struggled in the past.
“Every attempt gets you closer to success. You are not alone, and there are resources and people ready to support you.
Your health and well-being are worth it, and it’s never too late to make a change.”
Resources to quit smoking
If you’re looking to quit smoking in Singapore, here are some resources that can assist you:
- QuitLine: 1800 438 2000
- Singapore General Hospital Smoking Cessation Programme: 6326 5361 (8am–5 pm, Mon–Fri)