Vaping has in recent years become popular, especially among young people, as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
The vaping devices, also known as electronic smokers, are widely marketed in today’s world, dubbed as cool, trendy and glamourous, a strategy that easily attracts the target audience.
There are several health concerns and mental impacts linked to vaping, something the consumers tend to ‘ignore’.
Vaping involves the inhalation of an aerosolized mixture typically containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While vaping devices do not combust tobacco, they heat the e-liquid, turning it into an inhalable aerosol.
The primary component of concern in most e-liquids is nicotine, which is highly addictive and affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
There are several health effects caused by vaping.
- Respiratory Health: Vaping can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing and a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis or asthma.
- Cardiovascular Health: Most e-liquids found in vapes contain nicotine, a stimulant that can elevate blood pressure or one’s heart rate, which can lead to heart disease.
- Lung injury: Statistics have linked severe lung injury to vaping. Although EVALI is mainly associated with black market THC-containing products, it highlights the potential risks of inhaling unknown substances.
Also Read: Study Shows Significant Health Impact of marijuana on Fetal Development
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental issues related to drug abuse.
Vaping has become a social activity for many individuals, especially among young adults and teenagers.
Peer pressure and the perception of vaping as a trendy behavior can influence vulnerable individuals, leading to anxiety or depression if they feel they cannot fit in or meet societal expectations.
Nicotine is highly addictive. The brain becomes dependent to maintain a level of dopamine which leads to addiction. The brain’s reward system is stimulated by nicotine, leading to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
In periods of withdrawal, feelings of depression or anxiety might be heightened.
Research on the long-term effects of nicotine use is still ongoing, however, considering its level of addictiveness, link to feelings of despair, depression and anxiety, and potential dangers to respiratory and cardiovascular health, it is good to avoid the product entirely.