The inhalation of nicotine has been around since the 1920s. It wasn’t until 2003, however, that vaping came to the United States. Now, vaping has become an epidemic among teenagers and is also used by many adults.
What is Vaping?
Vaping devices are e-cigarettes and e-vaporizers that resemble a pen or flash drive. They are battery operated and easily hidden because they are small. Vaping is the process of using pods to heat the liquid solution of nicotine or marijuana to inhale through a mouthpiece.
Appeal to Teens
- Manufactures use sweet, candy-like flavorings to disguise the drug.
- Vape pens are sold as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.
- Many teens are unaware of nicotine present in vaping and do not see the harm.
Problems with Vaping
- People are not using vaping to quit smoking.
- Adolescent brains are still maturing, and teens are more susceptible to addiction and frequent use of drugs and alcohol.
- Many nicotine vape users jump from nicotine to marijuana use.
- Nicotine stimulates adrenaline and dopamine (the feel-good chemical in the brain). Consequently, it activates the reward system in the brain, making vaping more addicting.
- There is a jump in potency of liquid nicotine and marijuana with the delivery of vaping.
- Increase in mouth cancer among users
- Respiratory problems
- Vaping leads to ‘popcorn lung’ or bronchiolitis obliterans.
- Chemicals used to flavor vaping products are similar to those used in popcorn that causes damage to the small airways in the lungs. Coughing and shortness of breath result from these flavorings.
- Vaping leads to ‘popcorn lung’ or bronchiolitis obliterans.
Progress
- In 2019 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) raised the age to purchase vape pens and cartridges from 18 to 21 years of age.
- FDA began regulating the packaging of vaping products and created a policy of selling vaping products in 2019.
Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon. The long-term effects of the product are still unknown, and more research is needed to determine the impact of this epidemic among teens.
Addiction to any drug often stems from undiagnosed and untreated mental health disorders. Finding a treatment facility that looks at the whole person will build a foundation for lifelong recovery.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.
We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
