Vaping crisis among adolescents

“38% of high schoolers and 13% of middle schoolers have tried vaping” (StatisticStats.com). Vaping across the US has become an epidemic, especially among teens.

E-cigarette use among teens has skyrocketed in the past decade. The “fun-flavored” Juul contains the same amount of nicotine as a full pack of twenty cigarettes. Nicotine increases blood pressure; this can sometimes lead to a heart attack.

According to MedicalNewsToday, nicotine is as difficult to give up as heroin. Both drugs give the user a similar feeling of being calm or tired. MedicalNewsToday said, “symptoms of withdrawal of nicotine: cravings, a sense of emptiness, anxiety, depression, moodiness, irritability, and difficulty focusing or paying attention.”

Some think vaping doesn’t actually affect your body; however, in the long term, your lungs will become inflamed, making it progressively more difficult to breathe, and even more difficult to continue to learn.

People who previously used e-cigs to stop smoking would soon get back into their old smoking habits.

New addicts often start vaping after observing users. So seeing this may lead to addicts not able to get off of their addiction.

Teen vaping has been a growing epidemic in the past decade; let’s try to end their addiction and help. Ask them to hang out, invite them to join a club, and allow them to socialize with those willing to help.

Keep them away from the Juul and drugs in general. Always make the hurt and sick feel welcome and do not judge them for their habits. This would benefit them by keeping their mind off of their urge to vape; hopefully, they will grow out of this addiction.

Don’t be afraid to visit the Valley of Hope here in Chandler or call SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrations at 1-800-662HELP. This issue has gone on for too long and action needs to be taken to prevent continual spread of the vaping epidemic.