Vaping, the inhalation of aerosols produced by heating liquid solutions, has become a cultural phenomenon of the past decade, particularly among younger populations. The prevalence of vaping among 15-24-year-olds is alarming, with a 15% rate compared to 3% in those older than 25. It means that 2.8 million youth are using tobacco products, most commonly e-cigarettes or vapes, with 9 out of 10 using flavored nicotine products. The marketing of these products towards younger individuals has legal ramifications, creating a vaping vulture with new brands of nicotine e-cigarettes popping up to fill the consistent demand. However, the facade of these products diminishes the severe health repercussions they carry and the lack of knowledge people have about the effects of vaping. While some may think of nicotine e-cigarettes as a healthy alternative to smoking cigarettes or using other forms of nicotine, it’s crucial to understand that vaping is extremely harmful to health and has long-term side effects. Vaping is addictive; it is often hard to stop vaping once you start.
The legalization of marijuana has normalized vaping THC as well. It is more and more common for people to use electric vapes for marijuana. Cannabis vaping can lead to similar harmful side effects as nicotine vaping, including addiction. Due to legalization, there have been more and more marijuana storefronts opening. In New York City, it is hard to go five blocks without seeing a smoke shop selling marijuana. The accessibility of marijuana is more prevalent. While there can be health benefits to marijuana, smoking, and vaping, the substance can still have side effects for the individual. These side effects can include respiratory issues, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of mental health disorders—one-third of youth who vape are vaping cannabis. Generally, there are two types of cannabis vaping devices: dab pens and vaporizers. There is often a higher potency of cannabis in vaping products, which could affect physical and mental health.
It is hard to avoid advertisements of vaping, whether that be online, in social media, at gas stations, grocery and convenience stores, or elsewhere; 75.7% of youth who vape have reported seeing advertisements.
Effects of Vaping
Addiction is plausible from regular vaping because nicotine and cannabis have addictive properties. It can be difficult to stop or quit using because the addictive properties of the substances can create urgency to continue to use the substance and to continue to do so regularly. There are many chemicals in vapes that are not known. New brands and versions of vapes are always coming onto shelves and into pockets. The chemicals in the products can sometimes contain other addictive substances, some of which have not been approved. A lot of the health side effects of long-term vaping are unknown.
Mood and anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and negatively perceived mental health are linked to vaping cannabis and nicotine. Individuals will use vapes to calm them down when stressed, anxious, or coping with feelings. This passive and emotional coping strategy can be considered self-medication and can contribute to addiction. The substances in the vapes can create a sense of dependence, and when trying to quit, it can cause additional resistance and distress. It is similar to the effects found in smoking cessation when smoking traditional cigarettes.
Disruption of brain development in youth is possible; the brain is still developing until age 26. It can result in more frequent use since the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, is still maturing. Substances contain chemicals that can also reward the center of the brain to increase usage. It is unknown all the effects that vaping has on the brain.
Studies prove that vaping can lead to cardiovascular and lung disease. The inhalation of any substance can lead to inflammatory changes; some may believe that this does not happen and only do so when smoking. However, studies show inflammatory changes when vaping in the body. Vaping products also contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are known carcinogens. Diacetyl, found in flavorings, is linked to lung disease, while heavy metals like cobalt, nickel, tin, and lead are also present. Quitting will reduce your risk for all of the above as well as reduce risk to your oral health and other cancers.
Ways to Quit
Vaping can easily become a habit, with the addictive properties of nicotine. It can turn into instinct, something always on you, and the habit of inhaling and exhaling it to your mouth inhaling and exhaling can become second nature. It’s socially normal and sometimes expected for people to vape and/or smoke in social settings. The peer pressure around vaping can cause it to become more challenging to quit.
Smoking cessation groups can be an excellent source of support. Vaping often has a social component; people do it together. Having a group to relate to and discuss challenges with vaping, including the challenges of quitting, can help supplement the need for social relations with vaping. An individual can use the 12-step programs to help with treatment for addictions. These programs provide structure, accountability, and support; when we have others we can turn to who can relate to what we are going through, it is easier to break habits and continue toward positive change. Change is hard, and we all can benefit from additional support when facing an obstacle like challenging addiction.
Acknowledging milestones: You may have heard chips given to people who stay sober in 12-step groups. Make sure to celebrate and recognize your accomplishment of continuing to quit vaping. There may also be times when you vape after quitting; acknowledge this and continue to move on. Try not to let the continued vaping keep you from stopping again in the future. Take it day by day; tomorrow is a new day.
Develop new habits, something to replace the urge to smoke, and a way to find what triggers you to vape and how you can manage that. Some may be chewing gum, using a fidget spinner or device, drinking water, walking, or incorporating movement when you have an urge. It could also enhance a creative outlet.
Therapeutic processes, motivational interviewing, and individual therapy can be applied to vaping and used as a tool to approach addiction. It can also tap into finding new coping skills, holding accountability, and addressing any symptoms that may have been previously treated by using vaping as a form of self-medication.
Nicotine replacement alternatives such as gum, patches, and lozenges can provide support with the quitting process; these are FDA-approved smoking cessation options. Hypnosis has been a tool used to help with smoking cessation in the past as well.
There are many avenues to take when quitting vaping. Try out what feels right for you and branch out to alternatives if the first option does not work. You are not alone. For NYC residents, please check out this website for additional resources on how to quit in the area.
