Vaping has become a widespread public health problem among teens. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, over 1.6 million teens have reported currently using a vape or e-cigarette [1]. 

This is due to their portrayal in the media, accessibility, assortment of flavors offered, and the perception that vaping is “harmless.” 

It’s important for parents to understand the consequences that vaping can have on the physical and mental health of teens, how to recognize warning signs of a vaping problem, and strategies to help your teen quit.  

What is Vaping? 

Vaping is a way to smoke tobacco and nicotine products from a vape or e-cigarette. These are battery-operated devices that work by heating a liquid (e.g., “vape juice,” “e-liquid,” or “flavored nicotine”) until it turns into a mist that can be inhaled. This mist contains a blend of nicotine, artificial flavoring, and other chemicals. 

Most vapes are discreet, disposable, and designed for one-time use. They do not create potent smells like cigarettes and can easily fit into a pocket, backpack, or purse. These make it easier for teens to keep them hidden. The branding of vapes is also attractive to teens as they come in various colors and appealing flavors ranging from bubble gum and sour apple to banana split. 

Due to the epidemic levels of teen vaping, in 2020, the FDA issued a policy against unauthorized flavors (tobacco and menthol) of vape products that can appeal to youth. This policy has forced major companies to stop manufacturing and distributing these flavored vape cartridges [2]. Unfortunately, they are still produced and sold on a black market basis, allowing many teens to get their hands on them. 

Signs of Teen Vaping 

Vaping is more discreet and easier to conceal than smoking conventional cigarettes. They do not leave behind smells, stains and are small enough for portability. However, there are some warning signs that your teen may be vaping to be aware of: 

• Chronic cough 
• Easily getting out of breath 
• Dry mouth 
• Finding empty vape cartridges or boxes around the home
• Smelling sweet or fruity scents on their clothes or breath 

What Are the Consequences of Vaping on Teenage Health? Teens may be under the impression that vapes are “safe,” especially when compared to cigarettes. However, many vapes are filled with unknown or unregulated chemicals that can be just as or more harmful than standard tobacco products. The health risks are increased further when it comes to developing teens who are undergoing biological changes. This can lead to long-term effects on several areas of a youth’s physical and mental health [3]. 

‍Lung Problems: Chronic use of vapes and e-cigarettes is linked to bronchitis, asthma, and COPD. They can also irritate the mouth and airways, increasing the risk of oral diseases. 

‍Heart Problems: Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood and disrupt overall heart health. 

‍Increased Risk of Cancer: Vapes are filled with several chemicals that are often unregulated by the FDA. These have the potential to be carcinogenic and can increase the risk of developing cancer. 

‍Brain Development and Mental Health: Nicotine can disrupt the developing brain and affect regions that control pleasure, attention, memory, and learning. It can also affect mental health because when many teens try to quit, they may feel depressed or anxious. 

‍Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and the earlier a teen begins, the harder it is to quit. Quitting nicotine can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and anxiety. Studies have also linked early tobacco use to increased rates of teens using other substances, such as cannabis, alcohol, or stimulants [4].

‍Gastrointestinal Issues: Teens who chronically vape have increased symptoms of stomach pain and vomiting from nicotine e-liquid. According to a study by the National Institute of Health, nicotine can increase levels of gastric acid—leading to heartburn and nausea [5]. 

‍The Benefits of Quitting Vaping 

By understanding the long-term health consequences of vaping, teens may be more open to quitting this habit. Teens like clarity and answers, so explain how they can specifically better their health by quitting vaping. Some of these benefits include: 

• Increased focus and memory. This can improve academic and sports performance
• Prevention of future addictions from occurring
• Increased energy levels and better lung functioning to improve physical activity 
• Improvement in mood 
• Better oral health
• Healthier looking skin  

How To Help Your Teen Quit Vaping 

It can be distressing as a parent knowing your teen has developed a habit that could wreak havoc on their long-term health. One of the first steps to helping your teen quit vaping is recognizing the warning signs and making them aware that there is a problem. 

You may want to go straight to punishing your teen when you find out they are vaping. While setting rules and boundaries around this issue is important, it’s better to start with an open conversation. Understanding the reasons why your teen is vaping can go a long way in helping them quit. 

Some other ways you can help your teen quit vaping include: 

• Stay calm when addressing them. Make sure you are both in a headspace to speak about this issue. 
• Explore the problem by asking them questions and actively listening to their answers. Why did they start vaping? Do their friends do it? Would they like to quit? 
• Encourage them to chew gum, suck on lollipops, and drink enough water to help them quit. 
• Remove all vapes and any nicotine products from the home. 
• Set rules and consequences around vaping. 
• Be mindful of who they are spending their time with and where they are at. 
• If you also vape or smoke, consider quitting with them and modeling healthy habits. 

Professional Help for Teen Vaping Addiction    

Lotus Behavioral Health helps teens recovering from substance abuse & co-occurring disorders break addictive tendencies and develop healthy habits that support their long-term recovery. Our residential, PHP, and IOP treatment programs take a family-first approach to help teens build a sustainable lifestyle that encourages sobriety & success. 

If you are concerned that your teen is struggling with an addiction to e-cigarettes, reach out to our admissions team today for support.  

Sources 

[1] Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. 2024. US Food & Drug Administration. 

[2] FDA finalizes enforcement policy on unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes. 2020. US Food & Drug Administration. 

[3] Health effects of electronic cigarette (e‑cigarette) use on organ systems and its implications for public health. 2020. National Library of Medicine. 

[4] Nicotine Gateway Effects on Adolescent Substance Use. 2019. National Library of Medicine. 

[5] Effects of smoking and nicotine on the gastric mucosa: a review of clinical and experimental evidence. National Institute of Health.