Vaping: The Health Risks and How to Quit

Using e-cigarettes and other vape devices can lead to nicotine addiction and expose you to dangerous toxins. Learn more about how it compares to smoking, the unique risks young people face, and how to quit the habit.

What is Vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling vapor from an e-cigarette, e-pipe, vape pod, vape pen, or similar device. Many kids and teens view vaping as a harmless activity, believing it’s just flavored steam that helps them relax. However, the reality is that vaping carries significant health risks.

A 2021 survey found that over two million middle and high school students in the U.S. had used e-cigarettes in the past month. This trend is concerning to health professionals due to the real dangers associated with vaping. The vapor often contains nicotine, an addictive substance that can affect the developing brain. Additionally, the vapor includes various chemicals, some of which may be toxic, posing risks to both physical and mental health.

If you occasionally vape, understanding these risks might encourage you to stop. If you’re a habitual user, quitting might be challenging due to nicotine addiction, but it’s possible with the right strategies and support.

Vaping vs. Smoking

E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. While vaped aerosols can contain fewer toxic chemicals than cigarette smoke, vaping is not risk-free. Nearly all e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and increases the risk of serious diseases.

Effects of Nicotine:

• Addiction: Nicotine addiction can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating when you go too long without vaping.
• Brain Development: Nicotine affects brain regions responsible for learning, focus, mood, and impulse control. This can impact academic performance and social relationships.
• Physical Health: Nicotine use can raise heart rates and affect overall cardiovascular health.

Other Vaping Side Effects

Apart from nicotine, the aerosol from vape devices may expose you to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, acrolein, diacetyl, and diethylene glycol, which can damage the lungs. Vaping can also expose you to metals such as tin, lead, nickel, and cadmium.

Risk of Diseases

Vaping has been linked to oral health issues, such as periodontal disease, and increased risks of prediabetes and lung diseases like asthma and COPD. Those who use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes face even higher risks, including cardiovascular disease.

How to Quit Vaping

Quitting vaping can be difficult due to nicotine addiction, but it’s achievable with a thoughtful approach and the right support.

Steps to Quit:

1. Identify Your Motivations: Reflect on why you want to quit, such as improving health, saving money, or bettering relationships. Write down these reasons to reinforce your commitment.
2. Set a Quit Date: Choose a day within the next two weeks to quit, avoiding particularly stressful days.
3. Identify and Manage Triggers: Recognize situations or emotions that prompt you to vape. Keep a craving journal to track these triggers and develop strategies to avoid or manage them.
4. Prepare for Cravings and Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms may include cravings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety. Have strategies ready to cope with these symptoms, such as engaging in physical activity, using oral substitutes like gum, and practicing deep breathing exercises.
5. Find Support: Inform friends and family about your decision to quit and ask for their support. Seek professional help if needed, and consider using over-the-counter solutions like nicotine gum or patches.

Tips for Parents of Children Who Vape

If your child or teen vapes, understanding why they started can help you address the issue effectively.

Reasons Kids and Teens Vape:

• Peer Pressure: Friends may influence them to start vaping.
• Flavored Products: Attractive flavors can entice young users.
• Negative Emotions: Vaping can be a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Perception of Safety: Teens may underestimate the risks due to marketing messages.
• Accessibility: E-cigarettes can be easier to obtain and cheaper than traditional tobacco products.
• Aesthetics: Vape devices can be sleek and easy to conceal, making them appealing to teens.

How to Talk to Your Teen:

• Set the Right Tone: Have casual, nonjudgmental conversations about vaping.
• Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage discussion rather than lecturing.
• Share Information: Discuss the health risks associated with vaping.
• Ongoing Dialogue: Keep the conversation going over time, rather than trying to cover everything in one talk.

Helping Your Child Quit:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
• Identify Triggers: Work with your child to recognize and manage triggers.
• Support Their Interests: Encourage hobbies and social activities that don’t involve vaping.
• Empower Them: Reinforce their ability to make smart decisions and overcome challenges.

By taking these steps and offering support, you can help your child quit vaping and develop healthier habits. Remember, quitting is a process, and setbacks are a natural part of that journey. Stay patient and supportive as your child works towards quitting.