In 2023, vaping has become the new, well, cigarette.
Despite being illegal, there's no denying the rise in e-cigarette use in Australia, especially since the pandemic when many took up the habit.
But unlike the allure that characterised cigarette smoking decades ago, for many users, there's an underlying social stigma associated with vaping.
And for several women who spoke to Mamamia, their vape use is leading to a kind of 'secret shame'.
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As Tayla shared, "The shame I feel is not from friends or family - in fact, my entire family vapes (including my mum who is an ex-smoker). But I actually feel really embarrassed to vape during the day in public."
Kayla adds, "Honestly, I just felt like the biggest loser doing it, which was enough for me to stop."
Whatever their reasons, many people keep the habit to themselves, choosing to vape in private or away from the eyes of loved ones and colleagues.
For those who aren't familiar, 'vapes' are battery-operated devices that use refillable tanks or disposable cartridges to heat liquid which users inhale.