Smoking, alcohol & other drugs

Tobacco-free University

For more information about UC's tobacco-free policy, maps and other resources, visit Tobacco-free University.

Vaping

On the 1^st of July changes to VAPING came into effect.  The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024 has put in place nationally consistent rules around the importation, manufacture, commercial possession, and advertising of all vapes.

Changes include:

• Vapes can only be sold at pharmacies regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not.
• Tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores cannot sell any type of vapes.

Information for people who vape

• About vaping and e-cigarettes – information about what e-cigarettes are, health risks, vaping laws, what we’re doing to protect people from the harms of vaping, and information and support to quit vaping.
• ‘Give Up For Good’ – videos and resources to help encourage people to give up smoking and vaping for good.

There are many unknowns about vaping including the long-term effects. However, we do know that emerging data has linked vaping with asthma, chronic lung disease and cardiovascular disease, and can also increase your risk of anxiety and depression. Vaping also exposes the user to a multitude of chemicals which are known not to be safe. Some of the chemicals which have been identified include caffeine, nail polish remover, weed killer, pesticides and flavourings linked with toxic effects and respiratory irritation. For more information on the dangers of vaping, visit the Cancer Institute NSW.

Electronic cigarettes are just as addictive as traditional cigarettes as they both contain nicotine; in fact, some e-cigarettes can contain up to 50 times as much nicotine as in traditional cigarettes. Vaping is NOT a tool to help one stop smoking. 
Vaping hub states how we define and regulate vapes in Australia, and how the Australian Government is taking strong action to address vape importation, manufacture and supply.

There are many effective tools which can assist with smoking cessation. If you are vaping and wish to stop, make an appointment with the UC Medical & Counselling Centre.

The following are resources that you may like to use to help you quit.

• Quit
• Health Direct Australia: Quit smoking, stop making excuses

Alcohol

Directions Health Services have provided support to those impacted by alcohol, drugs and other addictions for more than forty years.

They are a specialist drug treatment service funded primarily by ACT Health and the Australian Government Department of Health.