If you’re a young person trying to quit vaping, or you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor who knows one, there’s a new resource worth knowing about.
The Quit The Hit Study is a research program from doctors at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). They’re testing better ways to help young people quit vaping, and they’re paying participants to be part of it.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
Most quit-vaping programs are one-size-fits-all. This one is being built with young people, not just for them. Every survey a participant completes helps researchers understand what actually works, so future programs get smarter and more effective.
And unlike most research studies that ask you to give your time for free, this one pays. Qualified participants can earn up to $115 in electronic gift cards for completing surveys, a follow-up interview, and a saliva test.
HOW IT WORKS
The process is straightforward: Take a short online survey to see if you qualify (results are immediate). If you qualify, review and sign a consent form. Get access to the free quit-support program. Complete short research surveys along the way. Earn a gift card for each one.
Surveys typically pay $10 to $20 each, with bonuses for completing them within specific time frames. The follow-up interview pays $50. The saliva test pays $25.
WHAT IF YOU DON'T QUIT?
You still stay in the study. You still take the surveys. You still get paid.
The program is designed for young people who are ready to try, but slip-ups happen. The team behind this study understands that quitting is a process. Even if you don’t fully quit during the study, the skills you learn stay with you for the next time you try.
DO YOU NEED PARENT PERMISSION?
No. Young people can enroll directly. All participants review and sign their own consent form.
WHAT IF YOU DON'T QUALIFY?
The study team lists other free resources on their site, including Smokefree Teen, Truth’s Ex Program, and My Life My Quit. Nobody who wants to quit should walk away empty-handed.
WHY CHC IS SHARING THIS
Tobacco prevention is one of California Health Collaborative’s largest program areas. Half of our active programs focus on it. Vaping among young people is a real and growing concern in our communities, and resources like the Quit The Hit Study give young people something they rarely get: real support, real respect, and real recognition for the work of trying.
If you’re a young person considering quitting, or an adult who knows one, share this. Real help exists.
READY TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY?
Visit quitthehitstudy.com or email the team at quitthehit@ucsf.edu.
