In recent years, vaping has become incredibly popular as a smoking substitute, with many people switching to e-cigarettes to kick their tobacco use. Although vaping is thought to be a safer alternative, there are worries that more and more kids and young adults are using it to get addicted to nicotine. Experts in medicine and psychology have clarified the most terrifying sign of vaping addiction: nicotine toxicity. Here are some of the risks associated with nicotine use and vaping addiction, including how it affects kids and young people and the startling increase in cases of nicotine poisoning.

What Is Vaping and What Causes Vape Addiction?

Inhaling and expelling the vapor created by an electronic cigarette or other device of a similar nature is known as vaping. The word “vapor,” which describes a substance in its gaseous condition, is where the term “vape” originates. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that produce an aerosol for users to inhale by heating a liquid solution that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other substances.

Though it is still a relatively new phenomena, vaping is already well-liked by youth. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10% of high school students in 2023 reported using flavored e-cigarettes, or vapes, within the previous 30 days. Because nicotine in e-cigarettes is so strongly addictive, vape addiction happens. A stimulant, nicotine affects the central nervous system and brain, resulting in sensations of relaxation and pleasure. In addition, it raises blood pressure and heart rate, which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Rising Concerns

Hospital admissions for youngsters in the UK as a result of vaping doubled in a year, according to hospital records. Concerns regarding vaping’s addictive qualities have grown as a result, particularly among people who have never smoked. In order to address the matter, the UK government has voiced its concerns and opened a consultation. While vaping can be a useful tool for adult smokers to quit, there is a serious risk that it will lead to a nicotine addiction in young people.

In the US, the news does not get any better. According to the findings, vaping among young people is rising at an alarming rate overall. Nicotine’s extreme addictiveness is a major contributing factor to the issue, particularly for young people. They struggle to put down the vape voluntarily even though they don’t think they will have any issues. The teenage brain is more receptive to rewards, says Yale neuroscientist Marina Picciotto, PhD. When they vape, their brains get a jolt of nicotine, nothing more.

“Adolescents don’t think they will get addicted to nicotine, but when they do want to stop, they find it’s very difficult,” says Dr. Picciotto.

Nicotine Addiction: The Telling Signs

Australian Psychologist Claire Wakefield highlights some worrisome signs indicating the development of nicotine addiction. One key red flag is when the thoughts of vaping become intrusive and overpowering. People may find themselves constantly thinking about where to get their next vape or experiencing anxiety when they are unable to access it. This uncontrollable fixation on vaping points towards a deeper dependency and a potential addiction.

“The clues for me that I reckon are worrying, is when you start thinking about it when you don’t want to think about it,” said Wakefield. “You wake up in the morning and the first thing you think is, ‘Where’s my vape?’ Or if you get, like, anxiety about wondering where I’m going to get my next one.”

The Scary Symptom: Nicotine Poisoning

Wakefield further delves into the dangerous consequences of nicotine addiction—nicotine poisoning, also known as “nic sick.” Vapes and e-liquids contain higher levels of nicotine than traditional cigarettes. This increased nicotine content puts individuals at a greater risk of nicotine poisoning, characterized by an excessive intake of nicotine in a short period. The American Lung Association warns that nicotine poisoning can have severe implications, ranging from nausea, vomiting, and dizziness to headaches, confusion, diarrhea, shallow breathing, extreme fatigue, and in extreme cases, even fatality.

Impact on Children and Young Adults

Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the risks of nicotine addiction through vaping. The addictive nature of nicotine can have long-term consequences on their developing brains and bodies. It is alarming to note that some youngsters have reported experiencing nicotine poisoning symptoms after excessive vaping.

Wakefield highlights a harrowing case of a young woman who began throwing up strawberry-flavored vomit, an indication of excessive vape usage. Such stories underscore the severity of nicotine poisoning and raise concerns about the physical and psychological effects it has on young individuals.

“She says she knew she had a problem when her vomit started tasting like vape,” said Wakefield. “Strawberry-flavored vomit, because she’d had so much vape. If you Google ‘Vape burns’, it’s not pretty.”

Vape Addiction: The Bottom Line

As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, so does the prevalence of nicotine addiction, especially among children and young adults. The scariest symptom of this addiction is undoubtedly nicotine poisoning, with its potentially grave consequences. It is crucial for parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to address this issue urgently and take proactive steps to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of nicotine addiction through vaping.

While efforts are being made to regulate access to vaping products, education and awareness play a vital role in preventing the onset of nicotine addiction and the subsequent nicotine poisoning. By understanding the risks and alarming symptoms associated with vape addiction, we can work towards curbing this worrisome trend and safeguarding the wellbeing of our younger generation.