Specialist Vape Shops Helping Through Socialisation
E-cigarettes and vaping are becoming increasingly popular. The link exists between the rising popularity of this new vaping habit and healthy lifestyle popularisation. The evidence shows that “research shows emotional and social health is associated with a reduced risk of disease and premature death”. Which is why people need to pay attention to their emotions and leisure.
Vape shops specialize in selling e-cigs and e-liquids, but they do not just act as retailer shops. They also provide a setting for socialization and exchange of experiences. Vapers community daily grows in numbers. As a result, everyone who wonders about “is there any vape shops near me”, will have no troubles finding a place to go.
Vaping culture & communities
The use of e-cigarettes is not only a habit. It is also a culture and a whole new lifestyle that attracts both teens and adults with the same intensity. In one study, teens went about explaining their reasons for starting vaping. They answered that it was “ cool, fun and something new”. What they find particularly enticing is e-juice that comes in different flavors. These flavors can be mixed according to preferences and have a pleasant smell. Equally important is a social aspect- vape-trick competitions (“cloud chasers”) and competitive games. They add a whole new dimension of playfulness.
Adults also like it because it makes them feel cool, youthful and in trend. There is also something called “toxic masculinity”. This label comes with a stereotypical macho image of men surrounded by naked women and covered in tattoos. Even though they are twice as likely to start using e-cigarettes as men, women are often pushed to fringes in this subculture.
Vape shops also act as a meeting place for this booming community, with experienced and well-versed staff offering advice on how best to use their devices, which flavors are the most popular or how to adjust their nicotine levels.
Psychology of Behavioural Support
Many studies show that switching from smoking to e-cigarettes comes with significant health benefits. Therefore, it is a behavior that we should be looking to reinforce. One of the most efficient methods for helping people to stop smoking is behavioral support. This type of support is about encouraging them to develop strategies that will prevent them from relapsing.
Staff in those shops provides that kind of support outside the clinical setting. They do it not only by fixing devices or advising people on which start-up kit to use, or which combination of flavors. According to one study, they also help “address the behavioral and social aspects associated with smoking”. They do it by fostering feelings of engagement and creating that kind of atmosphere that appeals to this habit newbies. If these feelings are absent, the likelihood that they will relapse increases. In fact, the evidence shows that something nicotine replacement therapy cannot address.
The study then suggested that the NHS should cooperate with these specialist shops. One way to do it is to provide them withdrawal from smoking cigarettes training. It is important for people to start using e-cigs, but it is not as effective as when they can count on prejudges on it.
Human Needs Of Sharing Popularity
Smoking is not only about nicotine/tobacco intake, but psychosocial aspects of this habit are significant too. That is why, other than providing vape kits, specialist shops act as gathering places for this vibrant subculture. People come here to socialize and receive support. There is the need for a shift in public opinion and the recognition of these shops as contributing to public health. When that occurs, it is advisable to them a part of the support system. What could be a problem is the so-called “toxic masculinity” label that accompanies this newest subculture. Women are pretty much left outside, so becoming more mainstream would only contribute to its popularity.
