Former Vape Users Share Their Stories of Recovery

Emily, 19, used to vape every morning. She started when she was 13 because her friends pressured her.

By 15, Emily used Kpods, which have etomidate. This made her feel confused and miss school and work.

Emily said, 'I started vaping because of stress, but it became a habit.'

The hardest part for Emily was stopping vaping.

Emily's life changed when she went to a rehabilitation program. She had counseling sessions every week.

The sessions taught Emily to manage stress, which helped her stop vaping.

Emily said, 'I kept my feelings inside until I couldn't handle them.'

Counselors find it hard to help vape users stop. Emily's story shows some of the challenges.

Ms. Nicolina Ng, a counselor, said people in rehab learn more about themselves.

They learn what makes them want to vape and find healthier ways to cope.

Since September last year, 520 people have been in vape rehab programs.

Of these, 123 have finished and 10 have started vaping again.

Research shows that people who are forced to go to rehab can do just as well as those who go voluntarily.

Ms. Eliza Yong, a senior counselor, said teaching people about their health is important.

Many young people don't know how etomidate affects them. Learning about it can help them understand their cravings.

Yong Han, 19, had a hard time changing his environment to stop vaping.

He started vaping at 14 to fit in with friends. His family found out and took him to rehab.

At first, Yong Han didn't want to be in rehab. He left after five days.

Yong Han said, 'I was angry at first, but then I felt grateful for the help.'

He started his recovery journey during his second time in rehab.

Yong Han said, 'I had to make my recovery my top priority.'

After rehab, Yong Han went to counseling sessions every two weeks.

One of the hardest things for him was staying away from friends who vaped.

Yong Han said, 'I felt like I had nothing when I started recovery.'

Ms. Ng said people who hang out with friends who use substances are more likely to start again.

Going back to the same social circle is a big challenge for people in recovery.

Yong Han was worried he would be lonely, but he made friends in the program.

Recovery wasn't easy for Yong Han.

Six months after he stopped vaping, Yong Han almost started again after a fight.

But he called his support group for help instead of vaping.

Yong Han said, 'I'm grateful for what I have, and that keeps me from going back.'

Yong Han hasn't vaped in over nine months.

Peer pressure was a big part of Yong Han's vaping. But people can start vaping at any age.

David, 45, started vaping in his 40s after a work assignment.

He said, 'I was bored and tried vaping. I felt aimless and lacked direction.'

David started using Kpods, which hurt his health.

He said, 'Vaping took over my life.'

David had health problems and went to the hospital twice. Doctors said vaping might have caused it.

He said, 'I felt weak and had trouble breathing. I knew something was wrong.'

David wanted to change, so he got help in April 2025.

Over a few months, David went to counseling and started healthy habits.

He said, 'Therapy helped me feel heard.'

David's counselor had been through addiction, so he understood.

David's friends noticed he had changed and became quieter.

He said, 'I didn't want to socialize because I had lost confidence.'

Counseling helped David think about why he started vaping.

He learned to find purpose and direction in life.

David said, 'I can't rely on substances to escape. It affects everyone.'

Since counseling, David has stayed vape-free and is rebuilding his life.

He goes to church, works, and spends time with friends.

Recovery is an ongoing process, even after rehab.

Mr. Ignatius Pereira, a social worker, said the time after rehab is challenging.

He said, 'Finishing a program is just the start. The real challenge is settling into new routines.'

He added, 'Recovery is not a straight road. It's different for everyone.'

Mr. Pereira said, 'What matters is being strong and moving forward.'

Emily hasn't vaped since she went to rehab. Her term ended in February.

She thanks her family and friends for helping her stay vape-free.

Counseling has helped Emily manage her emotions.

She said, 'I think more about my actions and their consequences.'

Emily is studying for her O-Levels and working part-time. She wants to be a psychologist.

Emily had both good and bad experiences with counselors.

One counselor made her feel judged, but another made her feel heard.

Emily said, 'I want to help people like my counselor helped me.'

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