It seems vaping has replaced smoking in teens and young adults, with the assumption that vaping is safer and contains less nicotine. Regardless of the substance, anything with nicotine in it is addictive. Learn about vaping statistics and why doctors are concerned that vaping is becoming the new addiction.
Nicotine Addiction
Vaping involves a battery-powered device called an e-cigarette that heats a liquid into a vapor that you then inhale. The vapor contains nicotine, flavorings, or other chemicals. It’s these substances that increase addiction, which causes long-term harm to developing brains. Just as smoking, the more you vape, the more your brain and body becomes used to having nicotine, making it hard to quit. Once you stop, the body reacts by giving you withdrawal symptoms, including intense cravings, which can be quite unpleasant.
Questions to Ask Yourself or a Loved One
If you answer yes to at least one or more of the following questions, you could be addicted to vaping.
Even though you want to stop or know it’s hurting you in some way, do you continue vaping?
Do you feel stressed or anxious when you can’t vape or get upset when you want to use your vape but aren’t allowed?
Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when trying to focus on other activities?
Do you still vape even though your parents know or you have been in trouble at school?
Have you tried stopping but can’t?
Do you feel you have lost control over your vaping?
Knowledge is power, so answering these questions truthfully and recognizing an addiction can help you understand the effects it has on your body and brain.
Vaping Statistics
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as of 2018, about 37 percent of 12th graders report vaping; this is compared with 28 percent in 2017, showing the trend for vaping continuing to rise. Even though vaping has decreased the use of smoking, young adults who start vaping may eventually turn to smoking. A myth circulating is that vaping isn’t dangerous. A professor of medicine at John Hopkins states that kids have a poor understanding of vaping, with some not even knowing there is nicotine in vapes. He goes on to say they don’t even know what the dose is or the impact of flavorings in the vapes. It’s these misconceptions that create the gateway effect, meaning those who vape will continue on the pathway to smoking.The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that teens are more likely to use e-cigarettes, with boys using 2x the amount as girls. Also, 30 percent of teen e-cig users start smoking within six months of starting vaping. A startling 13.7 percent don’t know what’s in their e-cigarette, about the same (13.2 percent) that do know that at least their vapes contain nicotine. Interestingly, 66 percent say their vape contains only flavoring.
Think You’re Addicted? Contact Us
If you or a loved one has the signs of vaping addiction, it’s best to get help right away. The sooner you recognize there’s a problem, the sooner you can begin treatment. Our staff helps those who can’t help themselves. By using a holistic and caring model of treatment, we ensure you or your loved one has the best chances of success in tackling addiction and taking back their life. Contact us for more information.
