Vaping and e-cigarette use is ubiquitous in today’s culture, however many of us don’t know very much about vaping and the dangers associated with it. Vaping is dangerous not only because of the contents of the vape, but also because of the likelihood that users will become addicted to vaping.

What are E-Cigarettes?

The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Smoke-Free campaign describes e-cigarettes or vapes as battery-powered devices used to heat a liquid into an aerosol form that can then be inhaled by the user. 

What is in ‘E-Juice’ or ‘Vape-Juice’?

According to the NIH, e-cigarette liquids have a set of common ingredients: nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and other chemicals. Other vapes may be used for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the “high” producing chemical in marijuana, caffeine, or cannabidiol (CBD). Nicotine, in particular, is the addictive component of most vape or e-juice. The NIH states that there are other dangerous chemicals commonly found in vape aerosols, including flavoring chemicals that can cause lung disease, metals such as lead, and other carcinogens.

Why is Vaping so Popular with Young People?

Teenagers are the most likely group to become addicted to vaping. According to Yale Medicine, this is largely because of the way brains that aren’t yet fully developed react to nicotine.

“Adolescents don’t think they will get addicted to nicotine, but when they do want to stop, they find it’s very difficult,” says Yale neuroscientist Marina Picciotto, PhD. “The adolescent brain is more sensitive to rewards.”

Can I Become Addicted to Vaping?

Many people become addicted to vaping. According to Yale Medicine, vaping addiction is particularly prevalent in young people. The main factor Yale cites as the cause of this addiction is the nicotine content in vapes. 

“Nicotine, alcohol, heroin, or any drug of abuse works by hijacking the brain’s reward system,” says Yale researcher Nii Addy, Ph.D.

According to Yale’s research, using drugs that activate our brains’ reward systems can cause both short-term and long-term physical changes by altering the number of dopamine receptors present. Because this reward system is a primitive function of our brains, Yale says it can be particularly hard to resist.

What are Signs I May be Addicted to Vaping?

The more you vape, the more your brain gets used to the increased levels of nicotine, and the longer that process continues, the harder it is to stop. NIH’s Smoke-Free Teen lists a number of warning signs for anyone who thinks they may be addicted to vaping. If you identify with these statements, you may consider seeking treatment for e-cigarette addiction:

• I know vaping is hurting me somehow, but I still want to do it.
• I feel anxious and irritable when I can’t use my vape.
• I sometimes get distracted by thoughts of vaping that make it hard to concentrate.
• I’ve gotten in trouble for my vaping but continue to do it anyway.
• I have tried to stop vaping but found that I couldn’t do it.
• I feel like I no longer have control over my vaping.

Identifying with these statements doesn’t make you weak or a bad person. Rather, this should serve as an explanation for why you feel the way you do and let you know that there are ways to manage these feelings. If you vape substances other than nicotine, your symptoms may not look exactly the same. 

What is Nicotine Withdrawal?

Nicotine is a powerful chemical that has many effects on our brains and bodies and sudden removal of that chemical in our daily intake can result in serious physical effects. According to Smoke-Free Teen, nicotine withdrawal brings with it a slew of symptoms:

• Feeling anxious, irritable, restless, or jittery
• Feeling sad, down, tired, or groggy
• Having trouble concentrating or trouble sleeping
• Increased sweating and headaches
• Increased cravings for food and e-cigarettes or vapes

How Can I Stop Being Addicted to Vaping?

Often times, the symptoms caused by withdrawal make it incredibly difficult to quit taking the drugs they’re caused by, even if you know that drug is doing other harm. Thankfully, withdrawal doesn’t last forever, and you can successfully quit vaping. The effort may seem impossible at first, but you will become more confident in yourself over time. The NIH gives several methods to deal with nicotine withdrawal for those addicted to vaping, though these recommendations are good for kicking other types of withdrawal as well.

• Get help from your doctor
• Drink plenty of water
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat healthy foods
• Ask your loved ones for support
• Prepare yourself for cravings
• Try to quit all forms of nicotine intake at once

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.