Vaping Dangers: How to Start the Conversation

Vaping device

As a private practice doctor, you’ve likely noticed an increase in patients—especially teens and young adults—who vape. While it’s marketed as a “healthier” alternative to smoking, the reality is far from that. But how do you effectively have a conversation with your patients about the health risks of vaping without sounding preachy or causing them to shut down?

Let’s walk through some strategies that will not only help you open the conversation but also encourage meaningful engagement, especially in a private practice setting where relationships with patients are your foundation for success.

Start with Empathy and Open-Ended Questions

The key to any successful conversation about a behavior like vaping is to start with empathy. Many of your patients may not fully understand the risks associated with it, and others may see it as a way to quit smoking cigarettes or to fit in socially.

Begin by asking non-judgmental, open-ended questions. For example, “I’ve noticed a lot of patients are using e-cigarettes lately. What’s your experience been with them?”. These types of questions encourage patients to talk openly without feeling like they’re being lectured. You might learn that they believe vaping is less harmful or that they’re unaware of the negative health effects.

Focus on Education, Not Fear

Once the patient is comfortable sharing their perspective, it’s time to offer education. This doesn’t mean bombarding them with scary statistics or focusing solely on worst-case scenarios, but rather guiding the conversation with facts that are relevant to their health.

For instance, you might say, “Many people think vaping is totally harmless, but more studies are showing it can actually damage your lungs and heart. I’ve seen patients develop respiratory issues from it”. Sharing real-world cases from your practice can make the message feel more personal and less abstract.

Don’t forget to mention long-term risks as well. Since vaping is relatively new, many people believe there aren’t any long-term effects. Clarify that, while the research is still ongoing, early evidence points to some serious consequences down the line, especially for younger users.

Keep the Door Open

While it’s tempting to try and resolve the vaping issue in a single conversation, most patients won’t make the decision to quit right away. That’s why it’s important to keep the lines of communication open.

You can say something like, “If you ever have questions about vaping or want to talk about quitting, let me know. I’m always here to help you make the best choices for your health.”

This helps patients feel supported, rather than scolded. You want to be their partner in health, not an authority figure handing down orders.

Give Resources for Quitting

For patients who are open to quitting, be ready with resources and support. You might recommend counseling, nicotine replacement therapies, or apps designed to help users quit vaping.

Let them know you’ll be with them every step of the way and that quitting is a process—one they don’t have to go through alone.

Use Technology to Keep the Conversation Going

In your private practice, you can use technology to keep up the conversation after the patient leaves the office. Consider sending follow-up emails or text reminders with educational articles, videos, or even encouraging messages. This keeps the conversation going without being intrusive.

Conclusion

Talking about the health effects of vaping with your patients is really important for preventive care these days. By being empathetic, educating them, and keeping the conversation going, you can help them make better choices about their health while building the trust and connection that matter so much in a private practice.