Vaping is far less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but the long-term effects aren’t yet known. Nicotine is addictive, and it harms the developing brain by affecting memory, attention, and self-control. It also wires the brain for addiction to other substances, like cocaine and alcohol.
E-cigarettes (also called electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs) are devices that heat and vaporize a liquid solution to make aerosol that you inhale. These are available in a wide range of flavors and nicotine strengths. There are many different types of e-cigarettes, but the most popular with youth are disposable, rechargeable ones that look and function like regular cigarettes. There are even pens with built-in e-cigs that you can carry in your pocket or purse.
In 2021, more than 2 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes. Eight in ten of them used flavored e-cigarettes. The most common reasons teens gave for vaping best delta 8 carts were enjoyment of the taste and a perceived lower risk than with smoking.
Some people are using e-cigarettes to help stop smoking, but they need to use a plan to quit for good. Nicotine replacement products like patches and gum have been shown to be effective for helping people quit. They are available over-the-counter, and you can find them at most pharmacies.
It can take time to build a plan for quitting, but it is worth it. There are tools that can help, and you can get support from friends and family. If you are struggling, talk with a health care provider or your doctor.
If you smoke cigarettes, talk to your doctor about switching to vaping. They can help you create a plan to quit, and can give you tips to keep you motivated. If you’re not ready to quit, your doctor can suggest other ways to ease your cravings, like chewing sugar-free gum or lollipops.
There are also apps that can help you quit. These can give you tips and reminders, and some even have quit coaches that will call or text you. They can also help you find community events to attend, and support groups to meet with others who are trying to quit.
The American Lung Association wants the Food and Drug Administration to take meaningful action to crack down on e-cigarettes that are marketed to youth, including raising the age for purchasing them. We urge the FDA to require all tobacco and vaping products to have warnings that include information about the risks of their use by young people. It’s also important to educate kids and their families about the potential health impacts of vaporizers, so they can make informed decisions.