What You Need To Know About Vaping

If you’re considering vaping, you should know a few things.

Despite its popularity, vaping remains a highly controversial topic. It’s easy for people, especially young people, to be misled about the health risks associated with it.

Vaping has risen dramatically in recent years, with teens now using e-cigarettes at a much higher rate than combustible cigarettes. That’s a big problem, especially since kids’ exposure to these devices is new.

It’s Dangerous

Vaping isn’t as harmful as cigarette smoking, but the mist you inhale still contains nicotine. And second-hand vapor can contain chemicals like benzene and diacetyl, which can cause severe problems for those around you.

In some cases, e-cigarettes have also been linked to lung injuries called EVALI, which killed 68 people in the US and Canada in 2019.

Even though much research shows that vapor doesn’t pose the same risk as smoke, it’s still important to know how to use it safely.

The main difference between vaping and cigarette smoking is fewer ingredients in the vapor you exhale. When you exhale their smoke, traditional cigarettes contain over 5000 chemicals, including many carcinogens (cancer-causing ingredients).

When you vape, the main ingredients are PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin), nicotine, and vapor flavorings. Compared to cigarette smoke, vapor has fewer additives and compounds and dissipates quickly, making it safe to use around others.

Because nicotine is an addictive drug, vaping can be a gateway for young people to start using tobacco products. Using vaping products can also affect how your brain develops and increase your chances of developing mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.

It’s Harmful

Vaping has been found to cause a wide range of health problems, including ear, eye, and throat irritation. In addition, it can affect your lungs and brain.

One of the common myths about vaping is that it may be more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. Traditional cigarette smoke can cause long-term health problems since it includes over 7,000 compounds, including about 70 recognized carcinogens.

Even though vapor from vaping devices doesn’t contain the tar and other harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke, it still includes a variety of potentially toxic chemicals, including propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavorings.

Some of these ingredients may react when heated, increasing the concentration of toxic chemicals in the vapor. It can be especially harmful to people with lung conditions or asthma.

Another chemical, diacetyl, is found in some e-cigarettes and is linked to irreversible lung damage.

It’s important to avoid using flavored e-liquids that contain nicotine or any aerosolized toxic chemicals, such as benzene and diacetyl, until we know more about their potential effects on your health. Flavored e-liquids are especially likely to be more dangerous for youth, who may become addicted to the nicotine in vape juice or e-cigarettes.

It’s Addictive

If you’ve ever tried to quit a cigarette, you’re probably familiar with the feelings of withdrawal that can occur when you stop using nicotine. Those cravings can drive you to vape again, even if it’s not good for your health.

It is because nicotine – the drug found in cigarettes – can trigger the brain’s reward system, which makes it addictive. It attaches to receptors in the brain and releases dopamine, which makes you feel happy, relaxed, or focused.

According to research, nicotine addiction also impairs the brain’s development, which can have a long-lasting effect on mood, focus, and impulse control. It can negatively affect your schoolwork, social life, and mental health in the long run.

Luckily, you don’t have to let your vaping habits take over your life. Instead, focus on getting help and support to break free of your e-cigs habit. Talking to a counselor can help you create an effective quitting plan and find the necessary resources to stay on track. Alternatively, you can use medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings.

It’s Not Effective

There’s a lot of confusion about vaping right now. It’s hard to know the truth, primarily because the vaping industry uses a lot of tricks to appeal to teens.

For example, some advertisements for e-cigarettes feature cartoon characters or other themes that appeal to kids and youth. Often these ads are used to hook young people onto nicotine and smoking, which is dangerous.

The most important fact to know about e-cigarettes is that they contain nicotine, a drug that can be addictive. Nicotine is a stimulant that increases your brain’s dopamine levels and triggers pleasure receptors.

It’s addictive because it causes your brain to crave more and more of it. That’s because your brain tries to replicate that experience and build dopamine levels.

That’s why it can be so difficult to stop using nicotine. Fortunately, you can beat addiction to nicotine through treatment.

You may also need help if you’re depressed or have another mental health disorder. Talking to a doctor or counselor about managing your condition would be best.

You can get help with a smoking cessation program, including medications, therapy or counseling, and social support. You can also ask your family or friends to support you.