Vaping

Vaping and e-cigarettes were originally positioned as a healthier alternative to smoking, but it’s just as addictive and the long-term health consequences are unknown. As vaping soars in popularity, especially among teenagers, we need to start talking about how addictive and potentially dangerous vaping can really be.

Vaping: Conversation Starters

  • Have you ever felt pressured to vape?
  • Why do some people vape?
  • Do people vape to fit in?
  • Do you want to vape? Why or why not?
  • If you are in a situation where you are surrounded by people who are vaping, what can you do instead?
  • Has vaping affected any of your relationships?
  • Share a story about peer pressure in regards to either vaping or smoking cigarettes.

  • It’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to vape or use any tobacco or nicotine products. Do you know anyone who has faced trouble as a result of vaping either at home, at school or with the law?

  • Do you know anyone who has faced trouble as a result of vaping either at home, at school, or with the law?

  • Share a story about how you or someone you know has been negatively affected by nicotine.
  • How does vaping affect the brain/body/nervous system?

    • Vaping or smoking causes nicotine to be absorbed into the blood, triggering the adrenal glands to release adrenaline. This spikes the central nervous system, which increases blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. Nicotine boosts dopamine levels in the brain, which causes the body to become addicted. Learn more here.

  • What kind of effects can vaping have on playing sports or other various physical activities?

    • Vaping contains nicotine, which is addictive and harmful to the cardiovascular system. It raises blood pressure, spikes adrenaline and damages blood vessels. Additionally, e-cigarette vapor contains chemicals that are harmful to the lungs. Young athletes across the nation have reported that vaping seriously deteriorates cardiovascular capacity and athletic performance. Learn more here and here.

  • Is vaping as addictive as smoking cigarettes?

    • Many studies indicate that vaping is as addictive as combustible cigarettes. Both contain nicotine, which is an extremely addictive chemical. Many electronic cigarettes enable users to get more nicotine than what’s available in a combustible cigarette through various extra strength products. Moreover, vaping isn’t as inconvenient as smoking because it’s not odorous and isn’t typically banned indoors. Learn more here and here.

  • Why do people think vaping is better for you than smoking?

    • Vaping was initially created as a tool to quit smoking cigarettes. Current research indicates that vaping devices might be less harmful than cigarettes, but nicotine in any form is highly addictive. Additionally, vaping is new, so long-term effects are still unclear. Learn more here.

  • Do you know anyone who has struggled with vaping?
  • Share a story about how you or someone you know has been impacted by nicotine addiction.
  • Who can you talk to if you feel pressured to vape?
  • Who can you talk to if you’re concerned that you’re addicted to vaping?
  • Who can you talk to if you feel that someone you love is addicted to vaping?

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/tobacconicotine-vaping

https://www.pnasurvey.org/ExploreData#SubstanceUse

https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/prevention/tobacco-prevention/wqtp/

1-800-QUIT-NOW

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