For years, vaping was touted as a safe alternative to cigarettes. Teen vaping has become a major issue; vape use has become pervasive in almost every school system in the country, and now an area of teen addiction treatment.
Vape Juice Contains Nicotine
A recent study from the CDC found that 99% of vape juice contains nicotine, even when branded “nicotine-free.” Nicotine is an extremely habit-forming central nervous system stimulant that is extracted from the tobacco plant. It is also a gateway drug; nearly all cocaine users are smokers. Effects of nicotine use include:
- Digestive issues
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced coronary blood flow
- Increased blood flow in skeletal muscle
- Disruption of brain development
- Damage to DNA
- Long-term organ damage
Nicotine-free vape liquid does exist (nicotine-free cigarettes also exist). If your child assures you that they only vape using nicotine-free liquid, ask to prove they aren’t addicted by quitting.
What Is Vaping?
Vape pens are also referred to as electronic cigarettes. These devices are used to heat liquid–known as vape juice–in order to produce an aerosol that is launched into the air. The user inhales these particles to experience the psychoactive effects of the nicotine and other chemicals.
Because many people do not know exactly what is in these vaping devices, they may not know what they are inhaling in the process. This can lead to a lot of side effects that many parents, regulatory agencies, and other health professionals have become concerned about.
What Are the Top Signs of Vaping?
One of the quickest ways to stop vaping is to catch it early. If it is possible to stop a teenager from vaping before he or she has become addicted, the treatment process has a higher likelihood of succeeding. Some of the top signs of vaping include:
Teen vaping will lead to the possession of unusual items. USB drives and vape pens can look innocuous. As a result, they may be difficult to stop. On the other hand, these devices do have holes on the ends of them. In addition, teenagers might also possess pods, cartridges, and atomizers.
Teen vaping will also lead to a sweet smell. Even though there are liquids that produce odorless aerosolized particles, a lot of teenagers like sweet, sensitive vapors. Therefore, it is important for everyone to keep their eyes, ears, and noses peeled for these smells.
In addition, one of the most common side effects of vaping at the development of nosebleeds. If teenagers vape on a regular basis, they may get nosebleeds on a more frequent basis.
These are just a few of the most common signs that a teenager may be vaping. This can lead to numerous harmful side effects. Destinations for Teens offers treats the following issues in their California teen rehab:
What Are the Side Effects of Vaping?
One of the first side effects that individuals may notice is that teenagers are developing mouth sores. Vaping will also lead to the development of a cough that may sound like that of a chronic smoker. Furthermore, teenagers who vape regularly may not need caffeine in the morning. Even though many teenagers do not need caffeine anyway, a teenager who stops drinking caffeine suddenly might be vaping.
Finally, more research is being completed on the long-term effects of regular vape use. In some situations, vaping may lead to certain types of cancer, neurological impacts, or even cigarette use.
Contact Destinations for Teens for Help with Teen Vaping
Unfortunately, teen vaping is becoming more common. Therefore, it is critical for everyone to know where they can turn for help. Destinations for Teens has access to a wide variety of teen treatment programs that can help with vape use. Contact us today at 877.466.0620 to learn more about our treatment programs!
