What Does Vaping Do To A Teenager’s Brain?
The answer lies in how nicotine affects the developing brain and the various chemicals that exist within vapes. The consequences are significant and the threat to public health is real. We invite everyone to join The Unaltered State initiative to find real fulfillment and joy!
What’s going on in that brain of yours?
The teenage years are a time of rapid brain development. The prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and cognitive processes, is still maturing. Studies indicate that brain regions linked to attention, memory, and mood regulation are particularly vulnerable during adolescence. Introducing substances of any kind will affect how we navigate our growth and maturity during this critical time.
This is your brain on nicotine
Nicotine is one of the world’s most highly addictive substances. Exposure to nicotine during adolescence can interfere with brain development, leading to long-term harm.
Vapes (aka e-cigarettes) deliver nicotine in concentrated forms. When inhaled, nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, causing a surge in dopamine that triggers a seemingly pleasurable response. It also can trigger nicotine dependence and the cycle of nicotine addiction.
In addition, the aerosols in vapes contain more than just nicotine. Vapes contain volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and other chemicals, including flavorings, that can harm the brain, lungs, and bones in developing bodies.
Other ways nicotine impacts adolescent brains:
Alterations in the brain that affect learning and memory
Nicotine exposure can change the brain’s reward system
Exposure to nicotine affects synapse formation in brain cells, which could explain attention deficit disorders caused by vaping use.
Regular vaping during adolescence can also lead to mood disorders and difficulty with impulse control
Impacts overall mental health
I can Quit Whenever I want. Or Can I?
It can be easy to convince ourselves that we can quit vaping at any time and that we won’t develop a nicotine addiction. However, because the addiction comes from the chemical release of dopamine in our brains, willpower alone may not keep an addiction from forming. It has less to do with our mental fortitude and more to do with the way our brains experience the chemical.
Speaking of mental health…
Many teenagers think that using vapes helps to manage stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Nicotine dependence often worsens mental health issues over time.
Research indicates that youth and young adults who use vapes report higher rates of depression and mood disorders compared to non-smokers. The cycle of nicotine withdrawal—characterized by irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating—can exacerbate these issues, making it harder for young people to quit smoking or vaping.
Why Protecting Youth from E-Cigarettes Matters
Given the evidence, informing youth, parents, and educators about the dangers of youth vaping is a public health priority. Considering the significant risks that vapes pose to young people's brains, prevention is key. Public health campaigns, such as KNOW VAPE raise awareness about the dangers of vaping among youth and promote prevention.
Parents, educators, and healthcare providers play a vital role in combating this issue. To learn more about the history of vapes and the myriad of health and behavioral issues they cause, watch the award-winning documentary, Nic Sick.
Healthier Futures
If you or someone you know is struggling with nicotine dependence, quitting is possible. Many resources, including nicotine-free products and smoking cessation programs, are available to support teenagers in breaking free from nicotine addiction. Studies suggest that early intervention can significantly improve the chances of quitting successfully.
By raising awareness and promoting education, youth, and young adults can make informed choices about their health. For more information and resources, visit The Unaltered State.
