Dr. William Adelman
Contributing Columnist
For most teenagers, vaping is their first introduction to drug and alcohol use. Parents need to take vaping seriously.
The nicotine level in electronic cigarettes, combined with ease and pleasure of use, can lead to nicotine addiction at an early age with significant consequences. Adolescent vapers are more likely to use cannabis and binge drink compared to those who do not vape. The earlier someone starts, the higher the likelihood they will develop a substance use disorder as an adult.
Combustible tobacco, such as cigarettes, made first-time smokers feel nauseated and taking a puff burned the back of their throats. It took effort to become a smoker. E-cigarettes, which come in a variety of flavors, have made smoking more pleasurable for many and addiction effortless. And in California, where recreational marijuana is legal, vaping cartridges are more readily available.
Take it seriously
The transition from tobacco to cannabis can happen quickly. Addiction to cannabis is the most under-appreciated substance use disorder that I see in my clinic. It can cause trouble with parents, school and even law enforcement. Cannabis can have detrimental effects on health and amplify inattention, poor school performance, lack of motivation, anxiety, and depression.
We expect teens to experiment during adolescence. In fact, more than half of high school students, by the time they graduate, will have tried tobacco and alcohol. More than one-third will try marijuana.
But there’s a significant difference between, “OK, I tried it,” vs. “I’m using it,” and the key for parents is to realize that vaping is harmful.
Signs of using
How do you know your child may be vaping?
Some parents find a vaping device or other paraphernalia. Other signs include your child hanging out with a new or older crowd, a drop in academic performance, and secretive behavior.
Self-medication with tobacco, marijuana, and other substances also may occur when your child is dealing with depression or other mental health struggles.
Tips for quitting
Mark Twain famously quipped, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times.” The longer you’ve been vaping, the harder it is to quit.
For teens, I recommend an anonymous, free, text-based tool, This is Quitting, to stop vaping. Users receive advice and help each other by sharing curated tips and encouragement. Many of my patients give This is Quitting great reviews, and studies show impressive success.
Medications are available to help teens quit vaping and should be discussed with your pediatrician. At home, one can implement the four Ds:
• Drink water. This makes it easier to flush out any substances in your system and you experience fewer side effects when quitting nicotine.
• Deep breathing. This helps you relax, and mimics the action of smoking.
• Do something else. Make a list of things you can do instead of smoking, preferably something that involves using your hands.
• Delay. If you feel like vaping, wait 60 seconds. Then wait another minute. Not immediately giving to cravings helps reduce or eliminate them.
If you can make it to six months without vaping, you’re significantly more likely to stay smoke free.
Dr. William Adelman is the medical director of the CHOC Primary Care Network at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children’s Health. He specializes in adolescent medicine.
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