Just before vaping became worldwide popular in 2010 and among the youngest ages in nicotine history, we had actually been on a 15-year decline for cigarette smoking.
Juul with its child-like flavors quickly halted the global health increase we were experiencing, catapulting nicotine addiction into the youngest population ever.
According to the US Centers of Disease Control and prevention (CDC), 22.5% of high school students and 9.4% of middle school students reported vaping on a daily basis.
As we know, nicotine is the most addictive substances, and the younger the brain, the more damage it creates. A teen brain on vaping;
- Will have a higher likelihood of becoming addicted to nicotine.
- While the brain is still forming, the vulnerabilities of permanent damage is more available.
- Will have a higher likelihood of impaired brain development.
- Nicotine disrupts normal development of brain circuits; leading to possible learning disabilities later.
- Can weaken the respiratory system.
- Vaping aerosols contain ultra fine particles, heavy metals and other toxic substances that can lead to respiratory issues, especially if asthma is already present. We now have a diagnosable vaping-associated lung injury labeled VALI or EVALI.
- Is very often a gateway to smoking cannabis.
- Will have a higher increase in depression and anxiety during adolescent and even later.
- Vaping has been associated with an increased risk of many mental health issues among adolescents, with the most prevalent being anxiety and depression.
Conversations with your adolescent around the risks, the media, consequences and boundaries could help to avoid the possible start of harmful vaping.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact Therapeutic Educational Consulting here.
© Therapeutic Educational Consulting
Photo credit Itay Kabalo
