They would turn more to vaping in an unconscious attempt to “cure” emotional distress or behavioral difficulties
A new study of more than 5,000 Australian students has found that teenagers with symptoms of depression, poor mental health, moderate to high stress and an impaired sense of well-being are more likely to use e-cigarettes, the popular vape.
Over 8% of students in the seventh and eighth grades in Australian schools have already tried vapes or pods. In Brazil, IBGE data shows that over 20% of Brazilian teenagers have already tried e-cigarettes.
At a time when young people around the world are experiencing significant challenges in relation to their mental health, it is essential to understand how it is possible to prevent the consumption of these devices that flood the body with nicotine, a substance well known for its highly addictive effects.
According to the Our Futures Vaping Trial study, the average age at which people started using e-cigarettes was 14. Other research from the University of Sydney shows that the rate of vape and pod use among 12- to 15-year-olds increased from 10% to 24% between 2017 and 2023 in Australia.
Studies conducted in other countries have also highlighted the relationship between e-cigarettes and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among young people. One hypothesis is that e-cigarettes are used more in an unconscious attempt to “cure” emotional distress or behavioral difficulties, since nicotine has the property of modulating emotions and alleviating some of these symptoms.
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Another aspect that helps to understand the increase in consumption is the modern charm that this type of device exerts on young people. While traditional cigarettes are today associated with outdated behaviors, without any “glamour” (as they were for previous generations), vapes and pods carry the image of a highly technological product, a concept very dear to generations Z and Alpha. The perceived risk in relation to electronic devices is also much lower than that in relation to cigarettes.
In addition, many of the essences contained in vaporizers and capsules have a pleasant and sweet taste or aroma, which further facilitates their consumption. The devices fit in your pocket and, like your cell phone, are accessible at any time. There is no ritual as marked as in the case of traditional cigarettes, in which the person must create an occasion and take a break of a few minutes to be able to smoke.
The big problem is that vaping can quickly become addictive, leading young people to seek out other sources of nicotine (such as traditional cigarettes and hookah, for example), as well as being increasingly associated with serious health problems, such as inflammatory lung conditions and cardiovascular events.
Despite the ban on the sale of these devices here in Brazil, they are easily purchased online or even at parties and clubs. There is a bill, for 2023, that provides for the regulation of the marketing of vaporizers and pods that, on the one hand, would have to follow certain standards and obtain certifications, on the other hand they could become even more accessible, which would make nicotine addiction once again a serious public health problem among young people.
To reduce this impact, it is important to educate young people about the risks of vaping, to show that there is nothing beautiful or “nice” about becoming addicted to nicotine, which, in addition to being highly addictive, is closely linked to serious health problems. And it is also important to show that those who are not well from a mental health perspective need help and specialized care, and do not suffer alone, becoming even more vulnerable to vaporizer abuse.
*Jairo Bouer is a psychiatrist and writes weekly for Terra Você.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
