Vaping has become a widespread trend amongst children and adults alike, replacing cigarettes as the latest smoking fad across the nation. Unfortunately, what many people fail to realize when participating in this activity are the very real dangers of vaping.
If you are considering quitting vaping, we have compiled a list of the top reasons why this is a good idea and are here to explain how you can get started on the path to overcoming this habit.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping is a popular trend that involves using an electronic cigarette device, known as a vape, to produce an aerosol vapor that is then inhaled and exhaled through the mouth. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid, called e-liquid, to produce an aerosol and typically contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.
Why Do People Vape?
The first reported sales of tobacco in the U.S. occurred in 1902, with over 70 billion cigarettes having been sold in the country by 1924. These numbers continued to increase significantly over the years, with sales only dwindling once the harmful side effects of nicotine began to be discovered.
Vaping has become increasingly popular as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, especially among young people. There are a number of reasons why people vape, including:
- Quit smoking cigarettes
- Reduce their nicotine and/or cigarette consumption
- Try a new and different form of nicotine consumption
- Falsely believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes
- Enjoyment of the variety of e-liquid flavors available
- Social smoking to fit in with peers
Vaping e-cigarettes first came out as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. Those wanting to quit smoking often switch over to vaping because they believe it is a safer and healthier option than smoking tobacco. This is because vape products do not expose the user to the same levels of cancer-causing chemicals and carcinogens found in combustible cigarettes.
Vaping has also been used as a smoking cessation aid, with many people reporting success in quitting cigarettes and reducing their nicotine intake by using e-cigarettes instead.
Additionally, some e-liquids come in a variety of flavors which may make vaping more enjoyable to some users. Vaping is also seen as a more socially acceptable behavior than smoking due to the lack of secondhand smoke or offensive odor from vapors. Ultimately, each person’s reasons for vaping can vary, and it is important to remember that the decision to vape should be an individual choice.
Who Uses Vapes?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaping is most prevalent among individuals aged 18 to 24 years old. The CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, 2021 also found that:
- Men report using vapes more than women.
- White people report vaping more than any other race.
- People living in families with the lowest level of family income were more likely to vape than other socioeconomic groups.
Due to the marketing efforts of the tobacco industry, vaping has grown in popularity — especially among young people. This is especially concerning because vaping can be dangerous for those who are underage as well as those whose brains are still developing.
It is important to recognize the risks associated with vapes. Education on the dangers of nicotine abuse is necessary for anyone who is vulnerable to marketing campaigns targeting them. In general, e-cigarettes are a beneficial harm-reduction tool to help those who are already dependent on nicotine. These products can help people reduce, replace, or quit smoking cigarettes.
Those who begin vaping without a history of smoking, however, risk becoming addicted to nicotine. They also expose themselves to the negative impacts of toxic chemicals in vape liquid.
How Much Nicotine Is in Vapes?
The amount of nicotine contained in a vape can vary depending on the brand, type, and strength of nicotine. Nicotine strength is measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml), meaning the higher the mg/ml, the higher the nicotine content.
Generally, people may choose from these types of vapes to use:
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Nicotine-free vapes contain no nicotine at all.
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Low-nicotine vapes typically have a nicotine strength of 3 mg/ml or 6 mg/ml.
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Medium-nicotine vapes typically have a nicotine strength of 12 mg/ml or 18 mg/ml.
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High-nicotine vapes typically have a nicotine strength of 20 mg/ml or higher.
It also is important to note that disposable vapes often contain higher nicotine concentrations than traditional e-cigarettes. Overall, vapes generally contain higher amounts of nicotine. This is because the use of a single vape product, unlike cigarettes, extends for longer periods of time.
A traditional cigarette usually contains around 1-2 mg of nicotine. Other tobacco-based products, such as patches, vary in doses of 7 mg, 14 mg, and 21 mg. Similarly, nicotine gums typically contain anywhere from 2-4 mg of nicotine.
Is Vaping Safer than Smoking?
While people generally view vaping as a safer alternative than smoking cigarettes, this does not mean they are risk-free. While e-cigarettes don’t contain the same toxins as cigarettes, most vape liquid contains nicotine. The chemical nicotine comes with its own set of health risks.
For instance, e-cigarettes don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful substances in cigarette smoke. Similarly, vapes can still contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, ultrafine particles, and cancer-causing chemicals.
More importantly, vape products have yet to undergo the same level of intensive research to fully determine the health risks. Still, research shows that vaping can damage the lungs and heart. Like cigarettes, the use of vapes can also lead to nicotine addiction when used over long periods of time.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tobacco products, it is resolute in its stance that no tobacco product is safe. Likewise, no products containing tobacco for sale in the U.S., including vapes, are FDA-approved as a smoking cessation device.
Should I Quit Vaping?
If you are wondering if you should quit vaping, the answer is yes. Quitting vaping is an important step towards better health and well-being. Vaping products contain nicotine, which can have serious side effects including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Likewise, nicotine has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Studies of risks associated with e-cigarette liquids are underway, and research is uncovering a myriad of potential negative health impacts.
5 Reasons Why You Should Quit Vaping
Understanding the many dangers associated with vaping can help you make safer and more informed decisions with these products. Here are the top five reasons why you should quit vaping:
- It is harmful to your health. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine can damage your brain and lungs. Vapes may also contain other harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals and ultrafine particles. These can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
- It can be expensive. The cost of vaping products can add up quickly, especially if you use them regularly. Likewise, vaping can lead to other expenses, such as doctor visits and medications to treat vaping-related health problems.
- It can be addictive. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. Nicotine addiction can have a negative impact on your life and the people around you.
- It can normalize smoking. While often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, vaping is still harmful to your health. It can also normalize smoking, making it more likely that young people will start smoking cigarettes down the line.
- It can lead to other substance abuse. Nicotine vapes can be habit-forming, leading those who use vapes to develop a tolerance. As people need to smoke more to feel the same effects, they may begin experimenting with other addictive substances.
These are just a few of the many reasons why it is in your best interest to quit vaping. While tobacco companies often advertise these products as a safe alternative to smoking, vapes are far from harmless. If you are ready to quit vaping, it is important to seek the proper support and resources.
Nicotine Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
Now that you understand why you should stop, you may be wondering how to quit vaping. While it can be tempting to attempt this process on your own, nicotine addiction can be complex. Seeking professional treatment can help make sure that you safely and successfully stop vaping.
At Royal Life Centers, we treat a wide variety of substance abuse issues within a full continuum of care. During treatment for a primary substance use disorder, our clinicians can also provide support for those who wish to quit vaping or smoking cigarettes.
All of our individualized services seek to meet all of your recovery needs. During inpatient treatment with Royal, we guide guests through detox and residential programming. Through these programs, our experienced medical professionals help guests build a foundation of skills to cope with cravings and triggers.
Following the completion of our higher levels of care, we encourage guests to continue treatment in our 12-week aftercare program. Sound Recovery, one of our aftercare facilities in Washington, provides treatment options such as:
While overcoming your nicotine addiction can be intimidating, it will help you achieve a happier and healthier lifestyle. If you are ready to start your path to recovery, don’t hesitate to call us at 877-RECOVERY today!
