Can You Get Addicted to Vaping?

The use of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is on the rise as an alternative to traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Their often colorful packaging with candy-like flavored e-liquids or ‘juice’ can mislead people to assume that vapes are inherently safe. The truth is that vapes, though different from traditional tobacco products, still carry risks, including dependence and addiction. 

That’s why Hawaii Island Recovery is raising awareness about vaping. The more we understand about vapes, the safer you are, and the more people who need help breaking free of vape dependence and addiction can find treatment. 

Understanding Vapes and Vaping

What Are Vapes?

Vapes are slang for a battery-powered electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), a device used to inhale an aerosol produced by e-liquid or ‘juice’.

ENDS come in many shapes and sizes, with some resembling typical cigarettes and pipes, and others resembling pens or USB flash drives. Some are reusable while others are disposable. ENDS may also be called vaporizers, pens, hookah pens, e-cigs, electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, and e-pipes. However, they are most commonly known as vapes. 

What Is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling an aerosol produced by a vape. 

A device inside the vape heats the contained e-liquid, also known as ‘juice’, which then creates a mix of small particles in the air, referred to as an aerosol. The aerosol produced from a vape is often referred to as ‘vapor’. 

What Are E-Liquids?

E-liquids or ‘juice’ are liquids used in vapes and other ENDS that are heated to create an aerosol or ‘vapor’ and then inhaled. 

These liquids can come in many flavors, such as mint, bubblegum, fruit, and more, and contain various amounts of nicotine. 

What Chemicals Can Be Found in Vapes?

Many chemicals can be found in vapes, which include:

• Nicotine 
• Cancer-causing chemicals, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
• Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
• Propylene glycol
• Vegetable glycerin

It can be difficult to know for sure what is contained in various e-liquids, even when labeled. Some that have claimed to be nicotine-free have been found to still contain nicotine. 

Why Do People Vape?

There are many reasons why people vape, with some reasons being:

• Peer pressure (everyone else is doing it, I’ll be uncool if I don’t join in)
• Social influences (my favorite celebrity vapes, and they look so cool)
• Self-medication (my anxiety and stress are less strong after I vape)
• Nicotine (it feels good when I vape, so I will keep vaping)
• Reducing cigarette use (I want to quit smoking, so I’ll vape instead)
• Product appeal (it comes in sour apple flavor, which is my favorite)
• Curiosity (vaping looks interesting, maybe I could give it a try)
• Boredom (I have nothing better to do, why not vape) 

By far, peer pressure and self-medication are major reasons why people choose to vape. Self-medicating is an act where you attempt to mask, numb, or treat a condition without the oversight of a medical professional. People may vape to cope with chronic stress, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. 

Can You Become Addicted to Vapes?

Yes, you can become addicted to vapes because many contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. 

Nicotine is a stimulant addictive chemical found in all tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes. It can affect mood and increase heart rate when used and is highly addictive. When using vapes, your brain can become dependent on nicotine, which leads to cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. 

Some vapes may contain marijuana, which can also cause dependence if used for self-medication.  

Vaping and Its Toll on Mental and Physical Health

Is Vaping Less Harmful Than Cigarettes?

Although vapes are a lower-risk alternative than cigarettes, they are not completely risk-free. 

Vapes have fewer harmful chemicals and do not cause tar buildup in the lungs like traditional tobacco products can. However, vapes can still be dangerous for your lungs and cause other health concerns. Improperly disposed of vapes can ignite and cause fires. It’s not recommended for anyone to use vapes and other ENDS, as long-term research is still in development about their potential dangers. 

Are Vapes Bad for You?

Vapes are not only addictive but can also be dangerous to your body.

ENDS, including vapes, contain dangerous chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage lungs. E-liquids can cause nicotine poisoning if swallowed, inhaled, or spilled on skin. Nicotine in vapes is known to slow brain development in fetuses, children, and teens. 

How Do Vapes Affect Your Body?

Vaping can harm your lungs, poison you, and slow brain development in adolescents. 

The liquid used in vapes contains nicotine, which can be poisonous if spilled on the skin or eyes, swallowed, or inhaled. 

Vaping can cause vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI), also called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), which resembles various pulmonary diseases. This is caused by various chemicals and VOCs contained in e-liquid, which are then inhaled deeply into the lungs. Some e-liquids contain heavy metals (such as nickel, tin, and lead), carcinogens, and flavorings that are safe to eat, but can be damaging to the lungs. 

Brain development is affected by the introduction of nicotine. Vaping while pregnant can affect fetal development. Children and teens who vape can experience stunted brain development. 

How Do Vapes Affect Your Mental Health?

Nicotine, found in vapes, can negatively impact your mental health by increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Many people choose to vape to relieve stress, but nicotine addiction can cause a cycle of dependence that can worsen stressful feelings and current mental health disorders over time. 

How Does Nicotine in Vapes Affect Your Brain?

Nicotine affects your brain by stimulating its pleasure centers. 

This releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system. It’s used to affirm and reward behaviors that are important for survival, such as eating food or sleeping. Nicotine stimulates this reward center, so the brain begins to associate nicotine use with pleasurable feelings. 

This causes changes to the brain, making you dependent on nicotine to feel ‘normal’. Going without nicotine after your brain has gotten used to it can cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Can Vapes Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

Yes, vapes containing nicotine can cause withdrawal symptoms once a dependence has formed. Some nicotine withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Feeling irritable, jumpy, restless, or anxious
• Having trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Feeling sad or down
• Having a hard time concentrating
• Feeling hungry
• Craving nicotine
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Cough and sore throat
• Dry mouth

Can You Overdose on Vapes?

Yes, you can overdose on vapes because of their high levels of nicotine.

Vapes pose a particular risk due to e-liquids containing more nicotine than a single cigarette typically has. E-liquids being spilled on the eyes or skin, swallowed, or inhaled can cause a nicotine overdose or poisoning. Vaping can make it easy to miscalculate how much nicotine you’ve had, which can make you feel sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate. Serious overdose and poisoning cases can cause seizures or respiratory failure. 

Vapes and Addiction

Do Vapes Help You Quit Cigarettes?

Vapes that contain nicotine may help some people quit smoking cigarettes, but it’s not the most effective method, as it can lead to continued nicotine dependence. 

Counseling, therapy, and medically advised nicotine replacement therapies are still the most reliable options for quitting tobacco use. 

How Do I Know if I’m Addicted to Vapes?

Some signs that you may be addicted to vapes include:

• Using vapes constantly throughout the day, especially when it’s not appropriate 
• Becoming anxious or irritated when you can’t vape 
• Being unable to stop using vapes, even when you want to
• Experiencing intense, uncontrollable cravings to vape
• Trying to stop vaping multiple times, but has failed
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms 
• Becoming socially isolated or having strained relationships due to vaping 
• Having financial strain due to vapes or vape products

If most of your day is spent thinking about using, using, and dealing with the consequences of vaping, it’s a sign that you may have an addiction.

What Are the Signs of Vape Addiction in a Loved One?

Some signs that a loved one may be struggling with vape addiction can include:

• Increased secrecy 
• Isolating oneself from loved ones 
• Sudden irritability or mood swings 
• Expresses discomfort or cravings when not vaping 
• Declining physical health, such as a chronic cough, frequent headaches, or shortness of breath
• Trouble focusing or a drop in performance at work, school, or home
• Owns a large amount of vape-related paraphernalia 
• Has frequent money troubles in favor of obtaining more vapes

If you notice these signs, speak with your loved one immediately, as they could be struggling with addiction. 

What Are the Risk Factors Behind Vape Addiction?

Some risk factors behind vape addiction include:

• Vaping at a young age
• Having family or friends who use tobacco products
• Experiencing mental health issues, such as chronic stress, anxiety, or depression

Nicotine is highly addictive, so much so that an addiction can develop quickly. Children and teens are especially susceptible to addiction due to their brains being more sensitive to nicotine. 

What Do I Do if I Want to Quit Vaping?

You can quit vaping by speaking to your health care provider for tools and resources.

Your health care provider can give you a referral to a mental health care or addiction treatment facility, which will have professionals who can guide you through the rehab process. They can help you make a quit plan, provide therapy, and offer ongoing recovery support. 

Getting Help for Vape Addiction at Hawaii Island Recovery

What Is the First Step in Vape Addiction Treatment?

The first step in vape addiction recovery is to recognize that you need professional help and then seek it. 

Addiction treatment facilities like Hawaii Island Recovery take nicotine addiction seriously and will work with you to develop a treatment plan that can help you quit. 

Do I Need Residential or Outpatient Treatment?

Needing residential or outpatient treatment depends on your individual needs and the severity of your addiction.

Hawaii Island Recovery offers medical detox, residential, and outpatient treatment services for clients struggling with addiction. In the case of nicotine addiction, outpatient treatment is the usual route. However, people with severe co-occurring mental health disorders or other addictions may need detox and residential treatment to promote full healing. 

Nicotine withdrawal can be uncomfortable, so seeking a detox plan and withdrawal management is another option for clients who need it. 

What Is Vape Addiction Treatment Like?

Vape addiction treatment typically includes a combination of therapy, peer support, withdrawal management, and nicotine replacement therapies or medications.

Counseling and therapy help address the underlying causes of nicotine addiction, such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Therapies are also used to help clients develop healthy coping skills. Support groups provide mutual support and understanding, which can help clients remain accountable and celebrate successes throughout their recovery journey. Nicotine replacement therapies or medications may also be used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Every person is different, and as such, their treatment plan may vary compared to another’s. As such, Hawaii Island Recovery offers specialized treatment for people such as retired veterans who may deal with complex mental health issues like PTSD.  

Do I Have to Go Through Detox for Vapes?

Detox is an important part of addiction recovery, and having medical advice can help make the detox process easier and more comfortable. 

Many people can safely detox at home from nicotine, but detox is more successful with professional help. Rarely do people need full medically assisted detox at a facility for nicotine, but a medical professional can prescribe medications or give you other means of support to help you successfully detox.

What Can I Do to Prevent a Relapse?

Some ways you can help prevent a relapse are to:

• Identify what triggers you to want to vape, such as negative feelings or situations
• Develop a plan to manage cravings, such as using nicotine replacement therapies 
• Get rid of your vape products and ask loved ones not to bring vape products into your home
• Try a new activity or hobby that keeps you engaged 
• Create a support network 
• Celebrate sobriety 
• Manage stress in your life 
• Practice mindfulness 
• Regularly check in with your mental health care provider
• Think of yourself as someone who chose to quit vaping 

Part of the recovery process at Hawaii Island Recovery is preparing clients for life outside of treatment. This includes relapse prevention, which teaches skills clients can use to prevent relapse, how to recognize a relapse, and how to seek help. If you believe you may relapse, reach out for help right away. 

How Do I Convince a Loved One to Accept Help for Vaping?

First, have an open and non-judgmental conversation that expresses your concern and care for your loved one’s health. 

Next, you should encourage them to seek professional help while offering your support and unconditional love. Always let your loved one know that they are not alone in their journey and that you’re here to help. 

Myths and Facts About Vaping

Myth #1: Vapes Don’t Contain Harmful Chemicals

Fact: Vapes contain several harmful chemicals that can cause lung damage or nicotine poisoning.

Although vapes contain less harmful chemicals compared to typical cigarettes, they can still pose a health concern. 

Myth #2: Only Teens Have Problems With Vape Addiction

Fact: Anyone can develop a vape addiction at any time, no matter how young or old they are.

Young children and teens become more easily addicted to nicotine because their brains are more sensitive to nicotine compared to an adult’s. However, adults can and do become addicted to products containing nicotine. It is not simply a teen issue.

Myth #3: Vaping Doesn’t Affect Non-Smokers

Fact: Secondhand exposure to vapes is a concern due to the harmful substances they can contain.

Vape aerosol contains carcinogens, ultrafine particles, and volatile organic compounds, such as traces of heavy metals and formaldehyde, which can irritate or damage lungs over time. People in enclosed spaces, while someone else vapes around them, are particularly at risk. 

Just because vapes contain lower levels of harmful substances compared to cigarette smoke does not make them completely safe or risk-free. 

Myth #4: All Vapes Contain the Same Amount of Nicotine

Fact: Nicotine amounts in vapes can vary greatly depending on brand or type of e-cigarette. 

Some vapes can have nicotine levels equivalent to a full carton of cigarettes, while others may have doses lower than a typical cigarette. Vapes advertised as ‘nicotine-free’ may still contain small or trace amounts of nicotine. This variation can make it difficult to monitor nicotine intake and can lead to mild cases of poisoning or overdose. 

Myth #5: Vapes Are Safe

Fact: There are rising concerns about the safety of vapes, especially when it comes to brain development, lung health, and nicotine addiction. 

Vaping can lead to nicotine dependence and addiction, as well as cause lung damage. Nicotine can affect the developing brains of children and teens, as well as cause nicotine poisoning. Tobacco products, including vapes, are not recommended due to these health risks and potential for addiction. 

Vapes, like any substance, can present hidden dangers to those unaware of how they work. Nicotine addiction is serious, but you or your loved one can recover with professional help. Hawaii Island Recovery offers quality and compassionate detox and addiction treatment services in the Big Island, Hawaii. So don’t wait, start your recovery journey today by calling (866) 390-5070.