Back in 2018, vaping was officially categorized as an “epidemic” by the U.S. Surgeon General and we were not allowed to do shopping online for it. In a previous report, teens and young adults using e-cigarettes had a steady increase in numbers. While its effects are widely known and despite the countless awareness campaigns, the numbers just seem to keep growing.
With people trying to keep up with the ‘trend’, first-time vape users might not even know damaging vapes are.
The Dangers of Vaping
Contrary to the common belief that e-cigs or vape pens are safer than the old—fashioned tobacco cigars, using an e-cigarette is more lethal. Note that one vape pen cartridge is equal to 20 pieces of cigarettes. E-cigarettes are more highly addictive in comparison to tobacco cigarettes.
The U.S. Surgeon General states that e-cigarettes or vapes are considered as tobacco products since vapes contain nicotine, whether a vape is said to be ‘nicotine-free’. Besides, there are other harmful elements found in vapes. Some of them are:
Nickel, tin, and lead
Diacetyl and other harmful chemicals in flavorants
Ultrafine particles that go deep into your lungs
Unstable organic compounds
Being said, the FDA has been trying to ban vapes indefinitely.
With the habitual use of vapes, the user will also experience nicotine dependency. In recent years, vape-related illnesses and deaths have been increasing. It has been found that some types of e-cigarettes contain marijuana and other toxic chemicals.
Nicotine Dependency and Its Effects on Mental Health
Using vapes nowadays has become a trend. More smokers have opted to use vapes rather than cigarettes themselves, especially high school students. However, despite all the fanfare about vapes, it doesn’t negate the fact that these things are highly addictive and highly dangerous.
The Young Adults
Young adults are more susceptible to the harmful effects of excessive nicotine exposure. Smoking or vaping at an early age increases the chances of affecting one’s mental health such as mood disorders, cognitive loss and even experiencing mild memory loss. Studies also show that using vapes hinders brain development and even be a catalyst in developing other types of addiction.
Individuals with Mental Health Afflictions
People suffering from mental illnesses smoke a great deal more than regular smokers. In recent years, psychiatric facilities have been implementing a non-smoking policy on their patients. Smoking has been related to other types of substance abuse and the National Institutes of Health with the American Psychiatric Association has agreed to these policies in dealing with other types of addiction.
Quitting and Medication
While people with mental illness or even chain smokers have a hard time quitting, it’s not impossible. With a strict and rigorous treatment, the road to recovery isn’t far ahead. However, to decrease the possibility of relapse, it’s better to find a treatment facility. Treating smokers who are taking medications should be monitored as closely as possible.
Finding a good treatment facility and being personally involved as possible with the patient’s recovery is a must. While medical and self-treatments help, nothing is more healing with a support system to be there in times of need.
