Maggie Evans 
Vaping is currently on the rise. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that around 22.7 million units of e-cigarettes were sold each month from 2020 to 2022. In line with this, nearly 56% of young adults who vape have never regularly smoked cigarettes, especially with research showing that using vaping products is significantly safer than smoking.
Case in point, research articles by BioMed Central show that e-cigarettes have less harmful respiratory effects compared to tobacco consumption. This is because the vape liquid used to create vapor mimics the sensation provided by tobacco smoking but without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. However, with the prevalence of vape use, there has been growing discussion on how these products open users up to other health risks.
Unique health risks of vaping
Despite not containing the harmful chemicals found in traditional tobacco products, studies have shown that vapes present unique health risks that cannot be found with cigarette use. A study from Nature Journal shows that vaping affects lung function by causing increased airway resistance, transient inflammation, and breathing difficulties. Some health experts also speculate that vaping could lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The unpredictable variety of ingredients present in vape juices also presents potential health risks. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, when vape liquid is heated to become vapor, it releases new chemical substances and trace metals into a user’s lungs. This can also worsen lung health and could lead to scarring that causes popcorn lungs.
How to quit vaping
One of the best ways to avoid the health risks associated with vaping is by quitting the habit. However, different factors need to be considered when it comes to smoking cessation, which makes it a challenging endeavor. As such, we compiled some key tips to help you overcome the difficulty of quitting.
Switch to smokeless nicotine products
Nicotine products that don’t produce smoke are often used to address withdrawal symptoms from smoking. Some popular forms include nicotine pouches and gum, which are consumed orally to deliver nicotine in small, controlled amounts that can satisfy cravings and wean you off vapes over time. Nicotine pouches go between the upper lip and gum for nicotine release. They’re also easily accessible and can even be purchased online, as highlighted by Prilla on its homepage. Here, it lists pouches from top brands including ZYN and On! that come in different flavors—ranging from mint and cinnamon to citrus and even coffee, which are similar to the kinds of vape juice available on the market—that can be delivered within 24 hours and with free shipping if bought in bulk.
Meanwhile, the CDC website shows that nicotine gum is another safe and popular option for smoking cessation, especially for those who primarily use cigarettes or vapes because of an oral fixation. Brands such as Rogue and Nicorette offer nicotine gum available in unique flavors such as pomegranate and wintergreen, but also have more classic ones like peppermint and cinnamon. This also helps vape cessation, as it can keep your mouth busy and address smoking withdrawals with ease.
Explore behavioral therapy interventions
In addition to switching to smokeless alternatives, exploring behavioral-based interventions can also be helpful. For some people, using vapes is strongly embedded as a habit in their daily life. Certain activities like finishing a meal, drinking coffee, driving, socializing, or being around specific environments make them want to vape. To address these triggers, you can opt for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods.
As seen in Telemedicine Reports, CBT is found to be effective for smoking and vape cessation since it is a personalized approach that helps identify your triggers for vaping and address the root cause of the problem. Additionally, some virtual options for CBT also provide coaching methods to encourage you throughout your cessation journey and keep you on track for a more successful outcome.
Try alternative activities to replace vaping
Since vaping is a habit for many people, another way to help encourage behavioral change is through replacement activities. You can engage in activities such as drawing, painting, reading, cleaning, and other things you enjoy doing and keep you busy. Exercising is also a great replacement activity and has significant health benefits as well. A review published by ResearchGate shows that aerobic exercises reduce the development of clinical conditions caused by vaping, such as COPD, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease.
Overall, vaping does present the same harm as smoking cigarettes, but emerging studies reveal its own risks that can affect lung health and lead to chronic conditions. As such, it is important to find the right interventions to help you leave the habit behind. For more of the latest news and information, please visit our website at Freeyork.
