If you’ve tried to quit vaping nicotine once, twice, or even 10 times and just can’t kick it — you aren’t alone. Millions of young people use nicotine and many are trapped in a frustrating cycle of quitting and relapsing, although they want to quit for good.
One reason why quitting is so hard is that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances out there. And trying to go cold turkey, no matter how strong your willpower, almost always fails. In fact, young adults make the most quit attempts each year, but they’re also the least likely to use evidence-based quitting treatments available to them. Why? Historically, quit programs were never designed to reach Gen Z.
That’s where Outsmart Nicotine comes in, a national campaign from Truth Initiative, the non-profit organization behind EX Program. It’s on a mission to reach young people with a clear message: you don’t have to do this on your own. Through free and confidential access to expert quitting tips, interactive tech tools, and 24/7 text support, EX Program is empowering millions to break the cycle of nicotine addiction — on their terms, with support that meets them where they are.
When it comes to quitting, science matters
For many Gen Z, it began with casually hitting flavored vapes at parties or during study breaks. But the truth is, as vapes became cheaper and stronger, their potential for addiction increased. Now, many young adults are trying to quit but don’t know where to begin.
EX Program was built to help you start – and stick with – a successful quit journey to break the grip of vaping, smoking, nicotine pouches, or any tobacco product. The science-backed digital solution was developed with the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and provides evidence-based methods to support anyone who wants to quit. Research shows that using EX Program can increase your odds of quitting by up to 40 percent.
How EX Program works
Breaking free from nicotine addiction means tackling both your physical addiction and behavioral patterns that can trigger cravings. Signing up for EX Program is free, and you'll receive daily text messages to support your unique quitting journey. Messages that, as one young participant put it, “always remind me why I'm quitting and how far I've come. It makes me proud to see.”
You'll also get access to a website filled with helpful information, tools to build new coping skills, insights into what your body and brain are experiencing, and support from the largest and longest-running quit community on the Internet, according to Truth Initiative. You’ll learn tried-and-true ways to manage cravings and replace old routines with healthier ones, which is so important.
Spoiler alert: Eating spicy peppers won’t stave off cravings on its own, but pairing it with expert advice from EX Program can help you manage them.
EX Community is key to a quitting victory
Trying to quit alone is tough, which is why the EX Community has your back every step of the way on your quitting journey. The EX Community includes thousands of current quitters and former smokers/vapers who are active on the platform to help answer your questions and cheer you on. Weekly blog posts from Mayo Clinic experts help you navigate what’s happening in your body and mind so you can make informed choices that support long-term success.
Think of the EX Community as the secret sauce to your success. Peer members can answer your questions about quitting, tell you ‘You Got This,’ and support you through tough moments and wins. One user shared that feeling part of a supportive community, especially when her friends weren’t going through the same thing, was “a HUGE help.”
Expert guidance can help give you different ways to think about quitting and ensure you have the most up-to-date science about addiction and quitting. However you use it, having a community reinforces the fact that you’re not alone. Even just reading in the EX Community can significantly increase your odds of quitting.
Quit medication and other tools
Another benefit of EX Program is that it offers trusted information about your Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) options. FDA-approved NRT products such as nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches are backed by science and, when combined with a program like EX Program, can double your chances of quitting.
How they work is pretty simple: Your brain is used to receiving a certain amount of nicotine every time you vape, smoke, dip, or chew, and it gets angry when it doesn't get it. NRT products can help take the edge off, making it more likely you'll find a quit that sticks.
EX Program doesn’t provide NRT medication, but it does offer advice on what might work for you and exclusive discounts to get FDA-approved nicotine gum and lozenges.
Ready to outsmart nicotine?
Whether it’s your first attempt at quitting or your 10th, EX Program by Truth Initiative is here for it. The tools are free. The support is real. And the science shows it works. Join the millions who are ditching their vape, cigarettes, or other products like pouches, and finally finding freedom from nicotine addiction. Text DITCHIT to 88709 to enroll.
