Quebec: “Aspire to Better,” the first vaping cessation program for young adults

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), funded by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services, announces the official launch of the “Aspire to Better” program, a vaping cessation program for young adults aged 18 to 24. This program aims to address the rapidly increasing prevalence of vaping among these age groups by offering personalized, free support tailored to the specific needs of this age group.[1].

Launch of the “Aspire to Better” program

The main objective is to help young people quit vaping and, in the long term, protect them from the risk of developing addictions to other substances. Alexandra Lalonde, Cancer Prevention Program Manager at the CCS, emphasizes that this program represents a direct response to the high consumption of vaping products among young adults, the largest users of these products in Quebec.

Young adults (18 to 24 years old) are in fact the most affected by vaping in Quebec, with 22,% of them reporting being regular users, according to the 2023 Quebec Tobacco and Vaping Products Survey. This age group is particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction, often without a history of tobacco use. Flavored vaping, banned since October 31, 2023 in Quebec except for tobacco flavor, is still in circulation, while nicotine pouches are still sold outside pharmacies.

"Aspire to Better" is one of the responses to this reality by offering tools and specific support to help these young people stop vaping. Half of them say they want to stop vaping.[2] and this program aims to prevent the long-term health effects of using these products, and in particular the risk of nicotine addiction.

Young Quebecers still not very aware of the risks of vaping

Alexandra Lalonde believes that young people are often poorly informed about the effects of vaping: “ Either there's misinformation or we don't talk about it enough. I think they're aware of the risks associated with tobacco, including cigarettes, but many believe that vaping is safe. »

Although the long-term effects of vaping are still poorly understood, the immediate risks of addiction and health problems[3], including respiratory (such as cough, bronchitis and asthma), cardiovascular and oral health, can be accompanied by an impact on mental health, in the form of mood disorders and depression.

Support that is expanding to new audiences

Developed in collaboration with experts and young people, the "Aspire to Better" program uses a motivational and behavioral approach. Over a period of six to eight weeks, participants receive personalized support via text messaging, with 24/7 support, as well as an interactive web application. These tools are specifically designed to help young people quit vaping. In addition, services such as the I QUIT line or consultations at Smoking Cessation Centers are also offered when needed.

The "Aspire to Better" program was initially implemented with the help of healthcare professionals and stakeholders who work with young vaping users. Of the 351 participants who took part in the pilot project, 25 of those who participated in the program reported having completely stopped vaping during the entire challenge. This result is very encouraging. ", stressed Ms. Lalonde. The program has recently been extended to the general public.

Text messaging programs, such as Truth Initiative's "This is Quitting" in the United States, have already proven effective in helping young people quit vaping. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that adolescents participating in this program were 35% more likely to quit vaping nicotine over a seven-month period than those not participating.[4].

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[1]Canadian Cancer Society, Aspire à mieux, the very first vaping cessation program for young adults in Quebec, published March 18, 2025, accessed March 19, 2025

[2]Katrine Desautels, First vaping cessation program targets young adults, News, published March 19, 2025, accessed March 19, 2025

[3]Indexsanté.ca, The Canadian Cancer Society launches “Aspire to Better,” a unique program to combat vaping among young adults in Quebec, published March 18, 2025, accessed March 19, 2025

[4]Tobacco-free generation, United States: Text messaging service effective in helping young people quit vaping nicotine, published August 16, 2024, accessed March 19, 2025