Mauricie Faces Rising Vaping Rates as “I Stop, I Win” Challenge Aims to Curb Addiction
From February 3 to March 16, the I stop, I win challenge is back, inviting smokers and vapers across Quebec to break free from their addiction by abstaining for six weeks. this initiative, now in its second year of including vapers, comes at a critical time for the Mauricie region, where smoking and vaping rates remain alarmingly high.
The Challenge: A Lifeline for smokers and Vapers
The I stop, I win challenge encourages participants to quit smoking or vaping for six weeks, offering a structured approach to overcoming addiction. According to organizers, even a temporary cessation can yield meaningful health benefits. “Around 75% of participants succeed in quitting smoking during these six weeks,” they report.
For those who relapse, the challenge is still a step forward. “Smoking is more than a habit; it’s an addiction to nicotine. It often takes several attempts to succeed,” explains Dr. Manon Toupin, a public health specialist at the CIUSSS de la Mauricie et du Center-du-Québec.
Vaping: A Growing Concern
While smoking rates have declined in Quebec, vaping has surged, especially among young people. Alexandre Chagnon, a pharmacist and spokesperson for the challenge, notes that vaping has “wasted” the progress made in anti-tobacco campaigns.“In 2023, one in four registrants was a vaper, it was a nice surprise for us!” he says.
the data is stark. In Mauricie,the vaping rate is 6.3%, but among 15-24-year-olds, it skyrockets to 24.4%—one of the highest figures in Quebec. “This is concerning, especially since the provincial average for this age group is 17%,” Dr. Toupin adds.
socio-Economic Factors at Play
Both chagnon and Toupin highlight socio-economic factors as key drivers of smoking and vaping rates in Mauricie. “We still have a lot of people living below the poverty line in our region, more than elsewhere in Quebec,” says Dr. Toupin.
Regional disparities are also evident. In Trois-Rivières, 15.7% of the population smokes, while in the MRC of Maskinongé, the rate is 15.3%. These figures are higher than in regions like Estrie but lower than in Quebec’s far North, where smoking rates are substantially higher.
Beyond the Challenge: Ongoing Support
The I stop, I win challenge doesn’t end after six weeks. organizers provide personalized support for six months, sending motivational emails to participants who quit. “We continue to follow the person, to motivate them, to support them during this period,” says Dr. Toupin.
this extended support is crucial, as quitting nicotine addiction often requires multiple attempts. The challenge offers a structured,community-driven approach to help participants take that first step.
key Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Mauricie | Quebec Average |
|———————————|————–|——————–|
| Smoking Rate (2023) | 15% | 10% |
| Vaping Rate (2023) | 6.3% | N/A |
| Vaping Rate (15-24 years) | 24.4% | 17% |
| Participants in 2023 challenge | 14,500 | N/A |
| Vapers in 2023 Challenge | 3,121 | N/A |
A Call to action
The I stop, I win challenge is more than a temporary fix—it’s a lifeline for those struggling with nicotine addiction. Whether you’re a smoker or a vaper, this initiative offers the tools and support needed to take control of your health.
Join the challenge today and take the first step toward a smoke-free life. For more details,visit the official I stop,I win website.
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By raising awareness and providing ongoing support, the I stop, I win challenge is making strides in combating nicotine addiction in Quebec. Will you be part of the solution?
