You’ve probably heard it on the news or seen young people puffing away on the street.
Vaping with e-cigarettes is the new craze that is taking teenagers and young adults by storm. As vaping increases, it is important to be aware of what these trends mean. At Banyan Chicago, we are sharing the most concerning facts that you, as a parent, need to be aware of when it comes to vaping and your young adult.
Vaping Facts & Statistics
According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, 11.7% of high schoolers used vaping in 2017, which increased to 20.8% in 2018. Such big vaping increases in one year alone is alarming. The study also found that e-cigarette use for 20 or more days increased by 8% in one year. [1] This data suggests that vaping increases are not just affecting the number of people vaping but the frequency as well. How will these vaping increases affect the future?
What Vaping Increases Mean for the Future
As we watch vaping trends continue to rise, the experts at our drug and alcohol treatment center in Chicago want you to be aware of any health risks associated with vaping.
One of the most frightening problems with e-cigarettes is that there are no regulations regarding their ingredients. The inconsistencies mean that they can contain harmful products like tobacco and carcinogens without the user’s knowledge. Alarmingly, 66% of teenagers believe that the only ingredient in their e-cigarette is flavoring. [2]
Beyond the inconsistent ingredients, vaping can lead to health issues as well. It was found that teens who are frequent e-cigarette users have a 30.7% chance of developing a smoking habit within 6 months compared to 8.1% chance for someone who does not vape. [2] Some young adults are also using these devices for vaping THC. The concentration of THC can vary, but in brands using high doses, drug addiction is likely to result. Vaping can be a gateway to nicotine and other drug addictions.
If your teenager vapes frequently, talk to them about the current dangers and what it could mean for their future. Unfortunately for some, it may be too late. If what began as vaping has turned your young adult into an addicted drug user, seek help immediately.
At our Banyan Treatment Center in Chicago, we work with young adults to help them gain control of their addiction no matter what stage they are in. We can provide PHP treatment as well as dual diagnosis treatment. Call today at 888-280-4763 to get your child the help they need.
Sources
- U.S Food & Drug Administration – 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Teens and E-cigarettes
Related Readings
