In January 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new policy on vaping in the U.S. In a press release, they explained that “Amid the epidemic levels of youth use of e-cigarettes and the popularity of certain products among children, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a policy prioritizing enforcement against certain unauthorized flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to kids, including fruit and mint flavors. Under this policy, companies that do not cease manufacture, distribution, and sale of unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes (other than tobacco or menthol) within 30 days risk FDA enforcement actions.” Why did they intervene in this way? Because to the companies that produce e-cigarettes, a vape addiction in a teen is less important than their profit.
The Prevalence of Vaping Among Teens in the U.S.
In their statement, the FDA also stated that “The United States has never seen an epidemic of substance use arise as quickly as our current epidemic of youth use of e-cigarettes.” Where there is smoke there is fire, and there is a serious vape issue among teens in the United States.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “E-cigarettes are very popular with young people,” and “their use has grown dramatically in the last five years.” Also, “Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes.” “What’s more, “the use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.” Again, clearly, vape addiction is a serious issue among adolescents.
What Is a Vape Addiction?
A vape addiction is relatively simple to understand. It is a nicotine addiction delivered by a vape product. The mechanism of action when using e-cigarettes leads to an additional “process addiction” as one craves the act of vaping.
When vaping first became accessible to adults, many people thought that it would be a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, we now know that that is untrue. Vaping is just as addictive as regular cigarettes. This means vaping has the same side effects as nicotine addiction, such as anxiety and uncomfortable withdrawals.
However, as previously mentioned, vaping did not stay in the adult realm. Vaping devices are now highly used among adolescents. Also, we now know that vaping brings with it its own set of dangers and detriments. Again, according to the HHS, “No matter how it’s delivered, nicotine is harmful for youth and young adults. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine as well as other chemicals that are known to damage health. For example, users risk exposing their respiratory systems to potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes.” Due to these dangers, it becomes even more crucial to spot the warning signs of a vape addiction and intervene.
The Warning Signs of a Vape Addiction
A vape addiction, as with any other addiction, has warning signs that can be detected. The following are just a few of those warning signs:
- A dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin, and a dry cough
- The presence of a continuous and otherwise unexplained sweet smell
- Becoming secretive and sneaking away unexpectedly
- Appearing anxious when not vaping
- Seeming to be depressed due to nicotine withdrawals
- Continuing to vape even though there are consequences, including health, academic, and legal consequences
- Having trouble breathing
How Addictive Is Vaping?
Vaping is highly addictive. It is just as addictive as any other nicotine delivery system. In fact, it may even be more addictive.
According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “E-cigarette use has even been suggested to lead to an increased risk of addiction, especially among young people, with higher exposure to doses of nicotine compared to people who smoke traditional cigarettes, as e-cigarettes are used in times and places where smoking is prohibited.” Vape addiction has also been shown to lead to other more illicit substance use.
A Vape Addiction and the Introduction of Other Substances
Vaping and other addictions are more common than many people may think. According to the Annals of Clinical Psychiatry: Official Journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists, “Although touted as innocuous by some, there are health and addiction concerns about the growing use of e-cigarettes in young adults. One study has found that risky alcohol use appears to be correlated with the use of e-cigarettes, even after controlling for a relationship between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking.”
This has also been found to be true with other illicit substances, such as opioids and stimulants. Because a vape addiction can be such a serious problem, it needs a serious solution.
How to Treat a Vape Addiction
Many people still minimize a vape addiction and think vaping can be quit “cold turkey.” This is a fallacy.
A vape addiction must be treated just like any other addiction. Generally, this treatment consists of talk therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It also may include some holistic means such as yoga and breathwork that can work as coping mechanisms when cravings arise.
Staying Vape Free After Leaving Clearview
Here at Clearview, we don’t believe in “quick fixes.” These rarely work. This is why we always create customized recovery plans that last beyond our recovery center doors.
Treating a vape addiction is no different. We don’t just light our student’s path to recovery, we give them the tools they’ll need to keep the path lit on their own. Ultimately, it is our mission to love our students while they are here, so they can love themselves while they are back out there in the world.
Vaping and vape addiction are currently serious issues in the United States. Those are also issues that are specifically affecting teenagers. That is why it’s important to be able to spot the warning signs of vaping, to understand how fast a vape addiction can take hold, and realize how it can be a gateway that leads to other substances. What’s more, it’s key to know the negative health effects vaping can cause. If you feel like your daughter may be struggling with vaping or a vape addiction, we can help her recover. For more information about the dangers of vaping and its prevalence among young people, please call Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
