Vaping: The Basics

Vaping, the act of inhaling vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device, has rapidly evolved from an alternative to traditional smoking into a mainstream phenomenon. While it is regarded by some as a safer substitute for tobacco, it is condemned by others for its health risks and appeal to a young demographic. Since vaping devices come in all shapes and sizes, it can be easy for young teens to acquire and use them so discreetly that parents, teachers, and coaches may be completely unaware.

While the e-cigarette has been around since the 1960’s, there was a significant increase in nicotine vaping in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. A 2023 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that e-cigarette sales increased by 46.6% from January 2020 at 15.5 million units to December of 2022 at 22.7 units.

One of the most popular vaping devices on the market is a Juul. However, according to the CDC, two thirds of Juul users, aged 14 to 24, were unaware that Juul pods contained nicotine. In fact, one Juul pod can contain the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes. While not all vaping devices contain nicotine, the majority of them do and some vaping devices may contain THC or even methamphetamine.

What is the difference between smoking and vaping?

Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, including carcinogens, and have well-known, long-term health effects, as well as a heavy stigma associated with them. Vapes can contain nickel, tin, and lead, as well as the cancer-causing organic compound, benzene. Due to the misconception that vaping is a healthier and safer alternative to cigarettes, there is far less stigma associated with it.

What are the risks involved with vaping?

As with any product containing nicotine, certain cancers, heart disease, and lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can occur as a result of prolonged use. Additionally, nicotine is extremely addictive, especially for children and may take only one use for an addiction to form. A major risk involved with vaping, especially for children, is that it can change the chemistry of a developing brain. Krysten Green, Nurse Practitioner at Centerstone explains this phenomenon, “If you start using substances at the age of 15, your mind and how it develops essentially stops at that age. For example, as you grow older, you may only have the capacity to have the coping skills of a 15 year old.”

“There have actually been a high number of burn cases associated with vaping due to device explosion,” adds Green, “burns can range from second to third degree and are most commonly seen on the thighs, hands, genitals, and face.”

Why is vaping so popular amongst young people?

A 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that more than 2 million middle and high school students in the United States use e-cigarettes. There are several reasons why e-cigarette use may be so popular with children:

1. They cost less than cigarettes
2. They are more easily accessible
3. They are easier to hide
4. They don’t typically set off fire alarms like cigarettes do
5. They taste and smell better than cigarettes

While the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, it is important to be educated on the risk factors involved, and high addiction rates, especially for children. Addiction can happen to anyone, but so can recovery and Centerstone is here to help. Get started today by calling 877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or by visiting our recovery care page.