Introduction
Vaping is a relatively new technique that is becoming more popular, especially among teenagers. A joint public opinion is that vaping is less harmful than cigarettes, does not lead to addiction, and does not correlate with severe health effects. On the contrary, it could be argued that since vaping has not been an option until recently, the possible health outcomes are poorly studied. This paper will determine the technology of vaping, ways to break the habit, long and short-term effects, harm reduction, and the phenomenon of its popularity.
Vaping vs. Smoking
First, it is essential to determine what is inside the vape liquid and how the process differs from smoking to identify possible differences. Researchers mention that vapes heat the nicotine-containing liquid and form an aerosol that is then inhaled (Miech et al., 2019). Overall, the liquid is a combination of flavors, glycerine, and nicotine. In terms of the difference between vaping and cigarettes, there are certain similarities. It is undoubtedly that cigarettes contain harmful substances, alongside nicotine which is addictive and correlated with multiple long-term side effects. However, researchers have found second-generation E-cigarettes to deliver nicotine similarly to cigarettes in terms of the profile of the element (Rehan et al., 2018). Thus, it is challenging to compare the two since cigarettes differ based on the content of nicotine while vaping devices contrast based on the technology and the various features.
As mentioned prior, vaping liquids usually contain nicotine, a substance that has been linked to multiple health problems. Current studies specifically illustrate the correlation between nicotine and respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune problems (McGrath-Morrow et al., 2020). Moreover, the process of vaping, since it involves the inhalation of the aerosol, is linked to complications. Namely, increased blood pressure and adverse effects on the nervous system are critical, especially during the development period, thus, childhood and adolescence (Tsai et al., 2020). The long-term effects are yet to be studied since vaping is a nuanced technique. However, research shows that potentially, vaping and smoking cigarettes are similar in regards to long-term negative connotations.
Harm Reduction and Breaking the Habit
Vaping is especially popular among teenagers, and, as mentioned prior, the harm is significantly more severe for this particular demographic. The popularity is vape devices is attributed to the relative ease of access and negative influence in schools and online. Researchers have found that social media influencers may be one of the reasons why teenagers find an appeal in vaping (Sun et al., 2021). Since the phenomenon is so widespread, it is important to highlight specific harm reduction techniques to ameliorate the adverse effects. As mentioned prior, second-generation devices deliver nicotine similar in profile to cigarettes. Thus, it is essential to update the e-cigarette and cartridges frequently to reduce harm.
Moreover, opting for liquid with a smaller amount of nicotine is preferred. However, harm reduction cannot address all the health risks, which is why breaking the habit is the key strategy. Researchers highlight that online groups and in-person counseling effectively provide individuals with the necessary psychological resources to kick the habit (Berg et al., 2021). Thus, one’s who have the same goal can motivate each other or seek counseling from a professional. Since nicotine addiction is challenging to overcome, such interventions can significantly help break the habit.
Conclusion
Both vaping and smoking are harmful, and choosing a healthier option is not necessarily possible. Individuals who vape, especially from an early age, are prone to developing health conditions that affect the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Implementing techniques to reduce hard and, subsequently, breaking the habit will benefit everyone in terms of living a long, healthy, and happy life.
References
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McGrath-Morrow, S. A., Gorzkowski, J., Groner, J. A., Rule, A. M., Wilson, K., Tanski, S. E., Collaco, J. M., & Klein, J. D. (2020). The effects of nicotine on development.Pediatrics, 145(3). Web.
Miech, R., Johnston, L., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Patrick, M. E. (2019). Trends in adolescent vaping, 2017–2019. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(15), 1490–1491. Web.
Rehan, H. S., Maini, J., & Hungin, A. P. (2018). Vaping versus smoking: A quest for efficacy and safety of e-cigarette.Current Drug Safety, 13(2), 92–101. Web.
Sun, T., Lim, C. C. W., Chung, J., Cheng, B., Davidson, L., Tisdale, C., Leung, J., Gartner, C. E., Connor, J., Hall, W. D., & Chan, G. C. K. (2021). Vaping on TikTok: A systematic thematic analysis.Tobacco Control. Web.
Tsai, M. C., Byun, M. K., Shin, J., & Crotty Alexander, L. E. (2020). Effects of e‐cigarettes and vaping devices on cardiac and pulmonary physiology. The Journal of Physiology, 598(22), 5039–5062.Web.