E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you struggle with vaping, you are not alone. Today, we will learn why young people are vaping, how quitting comes with many benefits, and most importantly, learn what resources are available to you as a student.
Some people may choose vaping as a “safer” alternative to smoking cigarettes, but all tobacco products come with health risks. Big Tobacco has supported this message as a marketing tactic. In fact, there are more unique harms nicotine can pose to younger people because the brain is not fully developed. Further brain development may be harmed, including parts of the brain that control attention and learning. Young people who use nicotine (the main addictive substance in cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products) are also more likely to be addicted to cigarettes or other drugs in the future. Tobacco companies understand that by targeting young people with alluring, candy-like flavors, they can get a lifelong customer.
The FDA banned flavored e-cigarettes that would be attractive to younger people. Several states have passed their own bans as well. However, the market is expanding so quickly that regulation cannot always be enforced. Over 90% of e-cigarettes are manufactured in China, and tumultuous diplomacy has made regulating the market even more challenging.
Big tobacco companies specifically target younger demographics. According to the Truth Initiative, e-cigarette companies use slick marketing tactics, like using bright colors in advertisements to emphasize the “fun” flavor descriptions. Vape companies also advertise by sponsoring music festivals, like the EDC Las Vegas festival that brought over 500,000 fans. Social media marketing is another tactic used. The Geek Bar Instagram account advertises new flavors and has over 18,000 followers. The account is also not age restricted for people under 21, which makes it easier for underage people to interact with the company.
Vaping can cause not only mental or emotional harm, but physical harm as well. Some vapes contain dangerous chemicals for your lungs, like diacetyl, formaldehyde, and acrolein. Popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a lung condition where damage to the lungs’ small airways can lead to permanent scarring, and coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. This condition is caused by diacetyl, a common flavoring in buttered popcorn, hence the name popcorn lung. This flavoring is safe to eat, but inhaling it, like in a vape, can lead to lifelong damage.
When someone who regularly uses nicotine products stops their use, they can go into withdrawal. Withdrawal can lead to mental and emotional distress, including incessant cravings, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, and feelings of anxiety and depression. These sensations can vary from person to person.
Quitting vaping comes with great benefits, which begin nearly According to QuitHQ, after only 20 minutes from your last hit, your heart rate decreases. Senses of taste and smell can improve in only 72 hours from the last hit. Quitting can improve stress and anxiety associated with nicotine cravings. It is never too late to quit, and your body can start improving quickly.
Quitting can save you money, too. While vapes may seem cheap, if you buy a new Geek Bar, a popular vape, every week at $17.99, that can end up costing over $900 a year. With that money, you could buy 81 tickets for an evening show at FilmScene, or about 312 chocolate chip cookies at Insomnia Cookies.
Need another reason to quit? Disposable vapes are dangerous for the environment. According to Environment America, Americans dispose of nearly half a million disposable vapes every day. Disposable vapes have recently gotten electronic screens, which contribute to 30 tons of lithium thrown away every year. Lithium batteries are often not properly disposed of, and can cause landfill fires, resulting in expensive damage and air pollution.
While it may be daunting to quit vaping, the best way is to make a plan. Many situations, like going out, being with others who vape, or even drinking coffee in the morning can be a trigger. While it is challenging to completely avoid things that trigger your cravings, take note of ways you can manage your environment to make quitting easier. Tell your friends you are quitting and consider getting text tips from the EX Program. Another evidence-based method in quitting is nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges.
Want to quit nicotine? Student Wellness has quit kits in the Wellness Vending Machine on the ground level of the Iowa Memorial Union, near the Hawkeye Room. For more support, or for more information, schedule an appointment with a health educator. These appointments are available at no additional cost to students at the University of Iowa, and free nicotine replacement therapy can be made available with a consultation. These appointments are tailored to your specific needs and can be virtual or in person. Schedule an appointment here.