When someone vape they use a device called an e-cigarette. It has a battery, a tank or cartridge filled with liquid and an atomizer that heats the liquid to turn it into a vapor or aerosol that they inhale. E-cigarettes are often made to look like cigarettes or other tobacco products, and can be purchased in stores, online or from vendors who set up shop at events, schools or work sites. The liquid in a pod or tank can contain flavors and nicotine, as well as other chemicals that are not good for your health. There are hundreds of brands of e-cigarettes on the market, with many different shapes and sizes. These devices do not leave any smoke or ash, and they can be used discreetly in places where smoking is not allowed, including indoor areas. Some e-cigarettes are also designed to be portable and can be easily hidden in pockets or backpacks.
The popularity of e-cigarettes has led to an increase in youth vaping, particularly among teens. This trend has health officials and educators concerned about the impact of vaping on brain development, academic performance and long-term health. It’s important to talk to the young people in your life about the risks of e-cigarettes. This can help them make healthier choices and avoid a path to addiction and other health problems.
Nicotine is addictive and can cause harm to the developing brain. It affects memory and concentration, and can lead to other illicit drug use and other serious diseases, like heart disease. It can also worsen asthma and other lung conditions, especially in teens. One vape pod can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, and teens who vape can become addicted to nicotine more quickly than adults who smoke.
Some young people are encouraged to start vaping by friends or social media, and think it’s a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. But nicotine is still harmful, and even one puff can trigger the brain’s reward system and cause addiction. Nicotine changes the way the body responds to other drugs, and it can lead to problems with mood, sleep and eating.
There are many ways to help you quit vaping, and it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider or therapist about your options. They can help you make a plan and provide support to keep you on track. Pick a date to stop, and let supportive family and friends know about it. Get rid of all your vaping supplies, and find some things to do that will help you distract yourself, like going for a walk or playing a game. Try to be patient with the withdrawal symptoms, and ask your healthcare provider or therapist for tips on how to deal with them. They may suggest nicotine replacement therapy or other medications that can help you quit vaping. And be sure to eat lots of nutritious foods and get plenty of exercise.
