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Overcoming Vaping Dependence
Teenage years can be stressful and challenging due to various reasons, including changes in the body, academic pressure, social issues, and loneliness. Many teens turn to vaping as a quick fix to relieve anxiety, even if it is just for a moment. Unfortunately, vaping has become a widespread epidemic, especially among teens.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind vaping dependence, its effects on mental health, and how to recognize the signs of vaping addiction.
Why Is Vaping So Popular Among Teens?
Many American teenagers believe that vaping is harmless and can reduce anxiety to improve mental well-being. Unfortunately, this misconception and other reasons lead to vaping dependence.
Some of these reasons include ads targeting teens, a wide range of flavors, various devices (including disposable and non-disposable), lack of education about its consequences, the belief that it is a “better alternative” to traditional cigarettes and drugs, its immediate gratification upon usage, and peer pressure.
How Vaping Works
Nicotine in vapes does not linger in the system for long, so once it is gone, the desire to have it back comes back. For many teenagers, having a readily accessible, pocket-sized outlet for their stress is ideal.
There is no need to get a prescription, disclose vulnerable information, or wait an hour for relief to kick in. In reality, vaping with nicotine offers relief in just ten seconds, the time it takes for the chemical to travel through the blood vessels to the brain.
The “feel-good” neurotransmitter dopamine is released once it hits the brain. The desire to repeat this habit increases once dopamine is released, especially for adolescents whose frontal lobe has not fully developed.
Vaping and Mental Health
One of the dangers of vaping for teenagers and the general vaping dependency epidemic is how teenagers use vaping as a treatment for stress and anxiety. Using vaping as a coping mechanism has been proven counterproductive.
It raises nicotine receptors in the brain, making it harder to reduce stress by any other means. An NBC News report revealed that instead of helping reduce stress, vaping worsens mental health symptoms.
Signs of Vaping Dependence
Signs of vaping dependence may start as early as trauma, stress, depression, or anxiety. It may also start as soon as those in a teen’s peer group start vaping. Other signs of vaping dependence include dry mouth, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, mouth sores, unexplainable cough and/or throat clearing, increased irritability and mood swings, secrecy (if the dependence is being hidden), and frustration and/or rage when unable to vape.
The Dangers of Vaping for Teens
Teenagers can show a sense of overconfidence, believing that they are safe to start vaping and will not get addicted. However, when they want to stop, it is often too late.
Some of the risks associated with vaping include acute lung damage, long-term dependency, difficulty concentrating, and problems with learning and memory. Moreover, teens who vape are more likely to move on to cigarettes, which are already linked to cancers and other diseases.
Conclusion for Overcoming Vaping Dependence for Teens
Vaping dependence is a serious issue among teens. It is crucial to recognize the signs of vaping addiction, understand its effects on mental health, and take necessary steps to overcome this addiction.
Education and healthy coping skills are essential in preventing vaping dependence. Teens need to know that there are better alternatives to relieve stress and anxiety, such as exercise, meditation, and talking to a trusted friend or family member.
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